A little book of John Calvins concerning offences whereby at this day divers are…A little booke of Iohn Caluines concernynge offences whereby at this daye diuers are…

Although this defence do not acquit us before God, (which thing I confess with a good will:) yet it declareth that Offence is maliciously gathered thereupon, against the doctrine of the Gospel. But they show how it is manifest, for what purpose we have been moved to take this cause in hand, inasmuch as almost all being occupied about looking to their private affairs, are slothful in exacting discipline, in correcting vices, and in increasing and maintaining the kingdom of Christ. Wherefore then do not they rather warm us with their heat, than they freeze unto our coldness? Let the complaints of Haggai touching the neglecting of the Temple be read. There a man may behold as it were painted in a table, the slothfulness of ⟨p. 107⟩our age, was not therefore the building of the temple again a very holy work of God, because at that time every man being busied about his own house, cared not for the Temple of God? Ought any man therefore to shrink, because he saw some not only cease from so needful a duty, but also wickedly defraud God of his first fruits and tenths? But this is surely the thing that I spake of before, anon after the beginning: that many being entangled with the unholy friendships of the world, do covet any Offences that may be against Christ, rather than to offend the wicked enemies of the healthful doctrine. This lewd ambition ministereth unto them both wit to forge Offences, and eloquence to bark at the Gospel with currish maliciousness. Besides that, being not content with snatching at the present evils, they seek with like maliciousness for somewhat to gnaw upon hereafter. For they surmise that they foresee at hand the desolation of the Church, which hangeth over it by means of inward dissension. These forecasting men, wonder that we be no ⟨image 119⟩more moved bereat: and to the intent to bring us in hatred, they gather that we are altogether careless, or that we would not pass though the earth were set on fire. So I remember, the bishop of Aquileia did ones reason with me in communication between us two alone, how horrible a destruction was to be feared, if we did not shortly bring our discords to an end.

Although this defence doo not acquite vs before God, (whiche thinge I confesse with a good will:) yet it declareth that Offence is maliciously gathered thereupō, against the doctrine of the Gospell. But they shewe howe it is manifest, for what purpose we haue bene moued to take this cause in hande, in asmuch as almost all beyng occupied about lookyng to theyr priuate affayres, are slouthfull in exactyng discipline, in correctinge vices, and in increasinge and mainteynyng the kingdome of Christe. Wherfore then doo not they rather warme vs with theyr heate, than they fryse vnto our coldnesse? Let the cōplaintes of Aggaeus touchynge the neglectinge of the Temple be read. There a man maye beholde as it were painted in a table, the slouthfulnesse of