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CHAP. II. Of the second impediment, which is persecution, affliction, and tribulation, wherby many men are kept from the ser∣vice of God.
MAnie there are in the world abroad, who ei∣ther upon these conside∣ratiōs before laid down: or for that, they see some good men to live as me∣rilie as themselves, are content to yeeld thus much, that in verie deed they esteem vertuous life to be pleasant inough, to such as are once entered in therun∣to: and that in good sooth, for their own parts, they could be content to follow the same, if they might do it with quiet and peace of al hands. But to request them unto it in such time or place, or with such order and circum∣stances, as tribulation, affliction, or persecuti∣on may fal upon them, for the same: they think it a matter unreasonable, to be demanded, and themselves verie excusable; both before God and man, for refusing it. But this excuse is no better, than the other going before, of the pretended difficultie: for that it standeth upon a false ground, as also upon an unjust illation,