An expository comment, doctrinal, controversial, and practical upon the whole first chapter to the…An expository comment, doctrinal, controversal, and practical upon the whole first chapter to the…

First, That their craft would be in danger. The trade they lived upon would fall to the ground. And this certainly was that which did most prevail with him; and by this we see, how hard a matter it is to part with a profession or way of life, though never so sinful, if it be a profitable way. The matter of profit will be like dust in our eyes to hinder our sight; it is ready to put out all spiritual discerning in the conscience between good and evil, just and unjust. So that we are greatly to suspect our hearts in those things, that are matter of profit to us, lest they deceive us therein.

First, That their craft would be in danger. The trade they lived upon would fall to the ground. And this certainly was that which did most prevail with him; and by this we see, how hard a matter it is to part with a profession or way of life, though never so sinfull, if it be a profitable way. The matter of profit will be like dust in our eyes to hinder our sight; it is ready to put out all spiritual discerning in the conscience between good and evil, just and unjust. So that we are greatly to suspect our hearts in those things, that are matter of profit to us, lest they deceive us therein.

The second Argument is religious: Though his heart be carnal, yet he runneth to the Sanctuary of Religion. The former Argument was too gross, if it had been alone; and therefore he maketh Religion the greatest, The great Goddess Diana shall be despised; her magnificence destroyed. Now this he maketh a very heinous sin, because all Asia, and the world worshipped her. Thus you see multitude, universality, and the custom of others, that is the great reason he hath to persuade for the worshipping of Diana, which is the same argument that carnal and superstitious people do still possess their souls with.

The second Argument is religious: Though his heart be carnal, yet he runneth to the Sanctuary of Religion. The former Argument was too grosse, if it had been alone; and therefore he maketh Religion the greatest, The great Goddesse Diana shall be despised; her magnificence destroyed. Now this he maketh a very hainous sinne, because all Asia, and the world worshipped her. Thus you see multitude, universality, and the custome of others, that is the great reason he hath to perswade for the worshipping of Diana, which is the same argument that carnal and superstitious people do still possesse their souls with.