Gildas Salvianus: The Reformed Pastor

Let him answer him if he can. And thus the lies and slanders of some (for that is no news) and the bitter opprobriou, speeches of others, have more effectually done the Devils service, under the name of Orthodoxness and Zeal for Truth, then the malignant scorners of Godliness could have done it. So that the matter is come to that pass, that there are few men of note of any party, but the reproaches of the other parties are so publicly upon them, that the ignorant and wicked rabble that should be converted by them, have learnt to be Orthodox and to vilify and scorn them. Mistake me not! I do not slight Orthodoxness nor jeer at the name; but disclose the pretences of Devilish Zeal, in Pious or seemingly Pious men. If you are offended with me for my harsh language, because I can tell you that I learnt it of God I dare be bold therefore to tell you further, that you have far more cause to be offended at your Satanical Practices. The thing it self is sure odious, if the name be so odious as to turn your stomachs How should the presence and guilt of it terrify ⟨p. 192⟩you, if the name make you start? I know that many of these Reverend Calumniators do think that they show that soundness in the faith, and love to truth which others want. But I will resolve the case in the words of the Holy-Ghost, Jam. 3. Who is a wise man, and endued with knowledge among you? Let him show out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom; But, if you have bitter envying (or zealousness) and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lye not against the Truth; This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish. For where envying (or zeal) and strife is, there is confusion, and every evil work: But the wisdom that is from above, is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, without hypocrisy: And the fruit of Righteousness is sown in peace of them that make Peace. I pray you read these words again and again, and study them.

Let him answer him if he can. And thus the lyes and slanders of some (for that is no news) and the bitter opprobriou, speeches of others, have more effectually done the Devils service, under the name of Orthodoxness and Zeal for Truth, then the malignant scorners of Godliness could have done it. So that the matter is come to that pass, that there are few men of note of any party, but the reproaches of the other parties are so publikly upon them, that the ignorant and wicked rabble that should be converted by them, have learnt to be Orthodox and to vilifie and scorn them. Mistake me not! I do not slight Orthodoxness nor jeer at the name; but disclose the pretences of Devilish Zeal, in Pious or seemingly Pious men. If you are offended with me for my harsh language, because I can tell you that I learnt it of God I dare be bold therefore to tell you further, that you have far more cause to be offended at your Satanical Practices. The thing it self is sure odious, if the name be so odious as to turn your stomacks How should the presence and guilt of it terrifie