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And I humbly craue, and most ernestly desire of those whiche bare the cheefe titles in the ec∣clesiasticall functions, that as we do in part correct our negligence by the example of the forward∣nesse, and redinesse of the people, so they would suffer themselues to be put in remembrance of their
ducties by vs which are vnderneath them, and that they would not neglect this golden gift of gods grace, in admonishing them, by cause the Lorde doth offer it in a treane or earthen vessell, but that they would first consider, that as Naaman the Syrian prince, receiued great commoditie, by follo∣wing the aduice of his mayd, and after, of his man: And Abigael being a wise woman, singular pro∣fite, by obeying the counsell of hir seruant: so they may receiue of tentimes profitable aduertisement, by those which are in lower places than they themselues be. Then let them thinke, that as Naa∣man was neuerthelesse noble, for obeying the voice of his seruaunts, nor Abigaell neuerthelesse wise, bycause she listned vnto the words of hir man, so it cannot deminish their true honoure, nor empaire the credite of their godly and vncounterfaite wisedome, if they giue care vnto that, which is spoken by their inferiours.
This humilitie appeareth to be counterfaite by the opprobrious speaches, and great contempt that you shew towards them in the rest of this booke.
What diligence you are prouoked vnto, by the forwardnesse and redinesse of the people, I know not, but euery man may sée you are ready to shake off your calling vpon euery light occasion: Neither will you preach in those places where the Gos∣pell hath not bin so well planted, but there only you loyter, where there is lesse nede, and where you easily may make sturres, and moue contention, as experience suffici∣ently teacheth.
I know none, no not of the best, that refuseth to heare either you or any other mo∣destly admonishing, neither haue you any cause hereof to complaine, but your sto∣mackes are such, and your arrogancie so great, that you passingly abuse your selues toward those, whome indéede you ought to reuerence, and with all duty obey.
I maruell that you will confesse yourselfe to be vnderneath them, seing you so cry out against superioritie in the clergie, and claime such interest in equalitie: but I may not stand in answering words.