That worldly things withdrawmenfromGods rerstier, 699 rie, andblood-thirtlie crueltie, that Kings and Princescannot withfafetie to their perlons and llates,come into common af- femblies; in which refpedis, necefñtie and charitie may well difpencewith cicumtlances andceremonies: yeti can fee no reafon,why Nobilitie thouid pleade this priuiledge ofexemp- tion,or for (late feuerthemfelues from the publicke congrega- tion,aad affembliesofGods Saints, efpecially, fetingit is veto themfrlues fo hurtfùll and pernicious.Again,thefe worldlyho- nours immoderately lourdand e(feemcd,dopuffe men vpwith pride,the tahiebhindreth them from profiting by the miniflery of theword, though they fhauldhcare it ; and that bothas it mooueth them to skorne the limplicìtie ofthe Gofpell, and the foolifhneffe ofpreaching, as theApofile fpeaking in their Ian- r.Cor.t.ai. guagecallcth it,and to conremne the miniterie of the word, though neuer fo powerful!, if it be not fauced with worldly wifdome,humane eloquence, andpleating conceitsofwit, to refreth and (linevp their cloied appetites; and allo as it caufeth diem proudly topull backetheir necks from the yoke offubie- c`fion,andholy obedience;refuting to be ruled by the fcepterof Gods word,andputting backall admonitions and reproofes,as though it wouldnot (land with their honors to humble them- feluesbefore God, or to floope untohis rebukes. An example whereofwehaue in Drotrephes, who wouldnotreceiue the A- poflle (ohn,nor his dotlrin,becaufe being puffedvpwith pride, Ioh.Epift.3. he lotted hisowne preheminence. In regard whereofit is truly verfe9, faid,thatthefmoke ofhonour and vaine glory, clothlmother and choake the flame ofpietie ; both as itblindethmensties, to as theycannot find theway to the publicke alfembles; andas it hindreth them from performing the duties of Gods ferutce withfruit andprofit. The like alto maybe Paid ofriches,whichArdaa>yet di" commonlyhinder thole who fer their heartsvpon them, from oyibasnontra. performing eitherpritiate or publick feruice veto God,whoil daem e d. takingmen vp inbulincfl'es & implointents,foas they haue no ceria,ege leifure toexercife themfelues in thefe religious duties: or as Namam. they diffraEl and interrupt them, when they prefent themfelues. Martial.Epi. before God toheare his word,orto calvpon his name;in which Mahl b.is. rcfpe&,our Saul our compareth the to thornes,whichchoak the ; feedof theword,&make it fruitles.And thus alto pleafuresim- moderately loued,work thefame effeóls, cattngmen tofpend that: ei 1
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