Five disputations of church-government and worship

Sect. 16. 3. Moreover, it is the common disposition of Erroneous and Heretical persons to be exceeding zealous for the propagating of their errors, and bringing as many as is possible to their mind. So that if all be left to themselves, the most Heretical will run first, and carry their filth into the house of God, and seduce and undo men instead of saving them.

Sect. 17. 4. By this means also the Covetous and sordid worldlings will crowd in: and men will do by Preaching, as they do by Ale-selling, even make it their last Trade when others fail: and he that breaks in any other Trade, if he have but any volubility of speech, will presently turn Priest; till the Office and Ordinances of God seem vile, and be abhorred by the people. This must be the Consequent if all be left to their own judgement.

Sect. 18. 5. And it is too known a case, that the people will bid such persons welcome, and so they will make a match. The erroneous and giddy party will have such as are suitable to them. And the Covetous party will have him that will do their work best cheap: if they will preach for nothing or for little, he ⟨p. 260⟩shall be a man for them, though he would lead them to perdition. If it be poison, they'• take it, if it cost them nothing. And many there be that will have their own kindred or friends to make Priests of; and all that they have interest in must join with them on the account of friendship. And the childish injudicious sort of Christians will follow them that have the smoothest tongues, or best opportunities and advantages to prevail with them. And so they will be tossed up and down, and carried to and fro with every wind of doctrine, according to the cunning sleight and subtlety of men, by which they lie in wait to deceive.]