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

But, say they, this takes away the glory of the Church, when every man may control his Teacher. Nay, rather let them know the truth, that they may avoid such as teach against the truth. Because some have been seduced; shall all be deprived? Then away with Preaching, for it is the savour of death unto many: away with the Sacraments, for some eat CHRISTS flesh to choke them: away with CHRIST himself, for he is the^m fall of many in Israel: and a Stone to crush their bones to perdition. Then let the Lamb cast off his fleece, because the Lion hath worn it: Because some quarrel in the army, therefore let no soldier have a sword. Then put out the candle, lest it burn the house. But, say they, put not knives into the hands of children: but the Scripture admits no such comparison: we rather put good swords into the hands of men. Discharge us of the Lords service; or it is against the law of arms to take away our weapons. Indeed there is cause to commend the policy of their Clergy, but not the honesty. For how should they have sold their bad wares, unless they had first put out the peoples eyes! As thieves first out with the light, that they may rifle the house more safely in the dark. Otherwise the merchandise of Masses could not so easily have been vented abroad, but would have lien rotting upon their hands at home; if men were suffered to bring the light of truth into their pack-houses. But, say they, we have kept it from hogs and dogs; yea, and from sheep and lambs too. Besides, all that have some uncleanness in their lives, are not to be reputed hogs and dogs: this is their mercy, but the mercy of GOD is more. They have a contrary spirit to CHRIST: for he often preached in the known hearing of dogs, the Scribes and Pharisees: and would do so, rather than the children should want their bread. But, said they, some by searching the Scripture diligently, have erred shamefully. This is as good a reason, as if one training up a child to be an Archer, should give him this principle and rule; that by aiming at the mark most fairly, he should miss most foully. No, John 5.39. Search that you may not err: not, be content to err, rather than search. But now at last being ashamed of this, and convinced by common equity, that the truth is not wholly to be with-held;

But, say they, this takes away the glory of the Church, when every man may controll his Teacher. Nay, rather let them know the truth, that they may avoid such as teach against the truth. Because some have beene seduced; shall all be deprived? Then away with Preaching, for it is the savour of death unto many: away with the Sacraments, for some eat CHRISTS flesh to choake them: away with CHRIST himselfe, for hee is the