A commentary or, exposition upon the divine second epistle general, writtenA commentary or, exposition vpon the diuine second epistle generall, written

The last is the Nurse, Custom: this feeds, sustains, and brings up the bastard. Though it be borne, it could not batten, thrive, and grow to stature, but by sucking on the breasts of Custom. The curse that the Cretans used against their enemies, was not fire on their houses, nor a sword at their hearts: but that which in time would bring on greater woes; ut mala consuetudine delectentur; that they might be delighted with an ill custom. ^aIf I have done this, if there be iniquity in my hands, &c. Then let the enemy persecute my soul, and take it: yea let, him tread down my life upon the earth, and lay mine honour in the dust. Hugo Cardin. on those words of the Psalm comments thus. Let him persecute my soul, by suggestion: take it by consent; tread down my life by action; and lay mine honour in the dust by custom. This is not only a grave to bury the soul in, but a stone rolled to the mouth of it, to keep it down. Sin but now borne, Iniquitas est; matura, natura fit: when it is ripe, it becomes a nature. Desinit esse remedio locus, ubi quae fuerunt vitia, mores sunt. The disease is incurable, when vices are made manners. Incipit esse licitum, quod solet esse publicum. Custome is not only another nurture, but another nature. Lawyers say, Quod est consuetum, praesumitur esse justum. That which is done by many, is at length thought lawful in any. Take an Apologue: four things meeting, boasted their comparative strength; the Oak, a Stone, Wine, and Custom. The oak stood stoutly to it, but a blast of wind came and made it bow; the axe felled it quite down. Great is the strength of stones, yet continual drops wear them; Gutta cavat lapidem: a hammer breaks them ⟨p. 93⟩to pieces. Wine overthrows Giants and strong men, Senators and wise men; & quid non pocula possunt? yet sleepe overcomes wine. But Custom invicta manet, remains unconquered. Many would not endure JESUS CHRIST, because he came to break their customs. The Masters of the Pythoness, Acts 16.21. objected this against Paul and Silas; that they did teach customs not lawful for them to receive. For this cause was the up-roar in Ephesus; the copy-hold of Diana was touched: and the town clerk had no means to appease the tumult, and deliver the Apostles; but by saying,^b