[ 1311] The commodity and discommodity of Learning.
AS the juice of the same Earth is sweet in the grape,* 1.1 but bitter in the Worm∣wood, Or as the same odour is a refreshment to the Dove,* 1.2 but a poyson to the Scarabaeus: So the same Learning, qualified with Charity, piety and meek∣nesse, may be admirably usefull to edifie the Church; which with Pride, con∣tempt, and corrupt judgment, may be used unto harmfull purposes, (as the Phi∣losopher speaks) Nothing is more dangerous then Wickednesse in armour;* 1.3 Hence is it that Satan hath usually set on work, the greatest Witts in sowing Errors in the Church;* 1.4 as Agrippina gave Claudius poyson in his delicatest meat; Or as Thieves use to pursue their prey with the swi••test horses; so the Devill made choyce of Licentius, a Man of rare parts, but a corrupt mind: Wherein Satan would fail of his end,* 1.5 if Men would make no other use of their Gifts and Learning, then to make them as engines and Instruments, for the more happy promoting of Piety and pure Religion.