The works of Ephesus explained in a sermon before the honourable House of Commons…The workes of Ephesus explained in a sermon before the honovrable House of Commons…

Secondly, that Christ knows our works hath this comfort in it, Then they are rightly understood. There was never any great thing done in the world, but it fell under misconstruction. And often such glosses are given ⟨p. 17⟩as do corrupt the Contexture of sincerest works: For the conclusions of malice are ever like those of Logic, following (partem deteriorem) the worser and weaker part, if it can but snatch a shadow, or shape a surmise of either. How often are works of holiness interpreted hypocrisy? and the works of zeal vain-glory? How often is contending for the faith mis-called faction? ¹and contending against superstition, humour? In the midst of all these clamours and loads of slander, this may bear up our hearts, God knows our works. And though now ignorance and malice sit upon and censure our works, yet God will put them forth (at one time or other) with the Comment of our own honest meanings upon them: Not tortured and wiredrawn with false expositions of an adversary. He will ²bring forth our righteousness as the light, and our just dealing as the Noon day. This quieted Jobs Spirit in the midst of all the mis-apprehensions of his friends, Behold ³my witness is in Heaven, and my record is on High.

Secondly, that Christ knowes our workes hath this comfort in it, Then they are rightly understood. There was never any great thing done in the world, but it fell under misconstruction. And often such glosses are given ⟨p. 17⟩as doe corrupt the Contexture of sincerest workes: For the conclusions of malice are ever like those of Logick, following (partem deteriorem) the worser and weaker part, if it can but snatch a shadow, or shape a surmise of either. How often are works of holinesse interpreted hypocrisie? and the works of zeale vaine-glory? How often is contending for the faith mis-called faction? ¹and contending against superstition, humour? In the midst of all these clamours and loades of slander, this may beare up our hearts, God knowes our workes. And though now ignorance and malice sit upon and censure our workes, yet God will put them forth (at one time or other) with the Comment of our owne honest meanings upon them: Not tortured and wiredrawne with false expositions of an adversary. He will