The plain mans path-way to heaven

Phil. Most certain it is that the evil ⟨p. 331⟩example of Ministers, and especially of Preachers, is very dangerous and offensive: for thereby thousands are hardened in their sins. For men will say, Such a Minister, and such a Preacher doth thus and thus, and therefore why may not we do so too? They are learned, and know the Word of God, therefore if it were evil, I hope they would not do it: for they should be lights unto us, and give us good examples. Therefore sith they do such things, we cannot tell what to think, or what to say to the matter: they bring such simple folk as we are into a mammering.

Phil. Most certaine it is that the evill ⟨p. 331⟩example of Ministers, and especially of Preachers, is very dangerous and offensive: for thereby thousands are hardened in their sinnes. For men will say, Such a Minister, and such a Preacher doth thus and thus, and therefore why may not we doe so too? They are learned, and know the Word of God, therefore if it were evill, I hope they would not doe it: for they should be lights unto us, and give us good examples. Therefore sith they doe such things, wee cannot tell what to thinke, or what to say to the matter: they bring such simple folke as wee are into a mammering.

Theol. Oh that I could with the Prophet Jeremiah quake and shake to think of these matters! Oh that I could mourn as a Dove in penning of it! Oh that I had in the wilderness a cottage, and could with Job be a brother to the Dragons, and a companion to the Ostriches, whilst I have any thoughts of these things! Oh that I could weep and mourn without sin, before I yield you an answer! For weep indeed I may, but answer I cannot. Alas (with much grief I speak it) all is too true that you say, and herein the people have a vantage against us, if I may call it a vantage. But let this be my answer: If the blind lead the blind, both shall ⟨p. 332⟩