They keepe the memorie of Egypt still amongst vs, and put vs in minde of that abhomina∣tion wherevnto they in times past haue serued, they bring the ministerie into contempt, they of∣fende the weake, they encorage the obstinate.
You saye, they keepe the memorie of Egypt still amongst vs. &c. No truely, no more than dothe the Churche, the Pulpit, the Bells. &c. but they teache vs the true vse of Christian libertie: and that all things be cleane to those that be cleane. Finally, that godly men may well vse that which wicked haue abused, howsoeuer vngodly.
They bring the ministerie into contempte: Onely with you, and suche as you (by your continuall crying out agaynst them) haue deluded: contemners of good orders, lawes, and statutes, are to be seuerely punished for their contempt. Good lawes, orders, and statutes are not to be altered or dissolued, bicause by suche as forget their due∣ties, they are contemned.
They offende the weake, and encourage the obstinate: Those that be offended with them, thinke themselues moste strong, and glorie therin with condemning of others. The obstinate be encouraged throughe the schismes, & contentions, that you trouble the Church, and slaunder the Gospell with: which one day you will vnderstande, if in tyme you doe not repent.