Seven godly and learned sermons preachedSeuen godly and learned sermons preached

But if it so happen (as oftentimes it chanceth) that men will needs be offended with us, live we never so uprightly, walk we never so circumspectly (as Christ, notwithstanding he was the Saviour of the world, notwithstanding he was without spot, and one that never transgressed the law, yet was called the Stone of offence:)¹ If it thus happen, I say, that we be ill reported of without cause, then may we say, as Christ himself to the Scribes and Pharisees said, Sinite illos, caeci sunt, duces caecorum: ²Let them alone, they are blind, the leaders of the blind. This is the comfort that we have, this is all the comfort that is left unto us, if any man wilfully be offended with us, if any man judge of us other than we deserve: ⟨image 95⟩for so it behooveth us to line, so ought we to direct our lives, that if any man accuse us, if any man find fault with us, our upright living may be a testimonies against him, and be able to confound him.³ S. Paul sayeth, it is our part to take away occasion of offence. When Christ by procurement of his enemies, (the Scribes and Pharisees) was brought be•ore Pilate to be condemned and adjudged to death, the innocency of his […] was such, that he was cleared and a•••i•ed even by the mouth of his very enemy: For when Pilate had heard all that was laid against him, and […] whole accusations wherewith they […] him, he pronounced openly, and said, I find […] fault in this man. The Scribes when they had nothing to accuse Christs Disciples of, nor nothing wher•• they might entrap them, […] of their Law, they came unto our Saviour Christ▪ and said, Quare non obseruant Discipul••• traditions […]? Why do not thy Disciples observe the traditions of our fathers? Why keep they not the customs of our ⟨image 95⟩