[ 305] Dangerous to interpose with a divided People.
IT was once said to Luther,* 1.1 when he was about interesting himself, in seeking Reformation of those bad times, Abi in cellam, & dic, miserere nostri; O Luther, rather get you into your Cell, and say, Lord have mercy upon us.* 1.2 And another being once asked, why he did not write his judgment, about the controversie of the time, answered, Cui usui Reipublicae? cui bono mihi; To what purpose? it would not help the cause,* 1.3 but much hazard him that should meddle. And most true it is, he that meddles with the divisions of the times, may expect to be divided himself; to have his name, his repute cut assunder, and thrown this way and that way. It hath ever been an unthankfull work, to meddle with a divided people; a man may with as much safety put his hands into a nest of Hornets, as to enterpose in the midst of such wild and unruly divisions, as are now amongst us.