Riches of mercy to men in misery, or, Certain excellent treatises concerning the dignity…

3. It draws not them to us, but it is as tares that it may take hold of and pluck us to them, and as stirrups that thereby they may get into the saddle. Again it is not in Heresies as it is in the symbolizing Elements; that they easily be transmutated one into the other, therefore so far as in our power is, let […] take that counsel concerning heresies, that Solomon gives of water, to stop every crevice, for else it will run in and make a breach, and offer an inundation; so let not us entertain a word of heresy, especially let Ministers keep the hedge whole that there be no gap where the foxes may enter in, for the small grapes must not be neglected; see and understand the place, Cant. 2. 13.

3. It draws not them to us, but it is as tares that it may take hold of and pluck us to them, and as stirrups that thereby they may get into the saddle. Again it is not in Heresies as it is in the symbolizing Elements; that they easily be transmutated one into the other, therefore so far as in our power is, let 〈…〉 take that councel concerning heresies, that Salomon gives of water, to stop every crevis, for else it will run in and make a breach, and offer an inundation; so let not us entertain a word of heresie, especially let Ministers keep the hedge whole that there be no gap where the foxes may enter in, for the small grapes must not be neglected; see and understand the place, Cant. 2. 13.

2. A second fault is, when words are not sound, for matter that concern practice, as for defence of usury, unjust nonresidency from Livings, &c. we must take heed that in these we fail not of wholesome words. And that for that place, Mat. 5. 19. He that breaks the least Commandment and teaches men so, shall be the least in the Kingdom of Heaven. It is a fearful note that is affixed to the name of Jeroboam, this is he that made Israel to sin. I confess it is good to know liberties, as well as restraintments, and I would have none to put a sore upon mens consciences, except on good ground; if matters be doubtful, then let them alone, only that which is sure must be spoken in the pulpit, yet of the two it is safer not to do them when dubious; he that teaches any thing not to be lawful, had best be sure least he make Israel to sin, and least his words be like the words of Humeneus, that fretted like a canker, an evil that soon over reads the body; Men in