A godly and learned exposition or commentary upon the three first chapters of the…A godly and learned exposition or commentarie vpon the three first chapters of the…

Here followeth the second part of the comparison, where Christ setteth down two things: First, what the Nicolaitans were: Secondly, how he was affected towards them. What they were is expressed in the first words, Even so, which is a note of resemblance or comparison, having reference to the words going before. They may be thus described: The Nicolaitans were a se•t in the church of Pergamus, that maintained two damnable opinions according to the doctrine of Balaam. I. That it was lawful to eat things offered to idols in the honour of idols, sitting in the idols temple. I•. that fornication was no sin; but that a man might lawfully commit it. It may seem strange, that in the days of the Apostles there should be men professing the name of Christ, and yet hold such damnable opinions: but the truth is hereby evident, that there were such in this church. And that we do not conceive a liking of their wicked opinions, let us examine their reasons, whereupon they might seem to be grounded.

Here followeth the second part of the comparison, where Christ setteth downe two things: First, what the Nicolaitans were: Secondly, how hee was affected towards them. What they were is expressed in the first words, Euen so, which is a note of resemblance or comparison, hauing reference to the words going before. They may be thus described: The Nicolaitans were a se•t in the church of Pergamus, that maintained two damnable opiniōs according to the doctrine of Balaam. I. That it was lawfull to eate things offered to idols in the honor of idols, sitting in the idols tēple. I•. that fornication was no sin; but that a man might lawfully commit it. It may seeme strange, that in the dayes of the Apostles there should bee men professing the name of Christ, and yet hold such damnable opinions: but the truth is hereby euident, that there were such in this church. And that we do not conceiue a liking of their wicked opinions, let vs examine their reasons, whereupon they might seeme to be grounded.

For the eating of things sacrificed to idols, they would plead thus. I. From the doctrine of christian liberty, Things indifferent may e lawfully used. Things offered to idols are things indifferent, as meats, and drinks, and therefore may lawfully be used. Ans. Meats and drinks, if they be considered in themselves, are things indifferent, and may lawfully be used: yea after they have been offered to idols, if they be sold in the market, they may be lawfully bought and eaten in private houses, if it be done without offence of the weak, as Paul teacheth at large,