The second Part.
We proceed now to lay forth the other evil humour of pleasing men, which is more visible and eminent in the Text. And indeed, to desire to be pleased, and to be ready to please 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 saith Isidor Pelusiot, to flatter, and to be flattered bear that neer relation the one to the other, that we never meet them asun∣der. It is the Devils net, in which he catcheth two at once, if there be an itching ear, you cannot misse, but you shall find a flater∣ing tongue: if the king of Sicily delight in Geometry, the whole Court shall swarm with Mathematicians, if Nero be lascivious, his pallace shall be turned into a stew or Brothel-house, or worse; Non deerit Alexandro talia concupiscenti pernitiosa adulatio, saith Cur∣tius. Alexander that loved to be flattered had Parasites enough. If the Donatists be factious, ther will be a Primianus and a Maxi∣minianus to lead them, accedit dignum patellâ operculum, as Saint Hierom applies this proverb to this very purpose; these dishes that will receive nothing but juncats, shall finde covers to fit them. And if we look into the world, and see how men every day change with the fashion of the world, alter their notes and turn them to the times, what Echo's they are, when power speaks; if we turn over those multitude of Pamphlets, which for the most part are nothing else but the monuments of mens flattery and base conde∣scendency (for what error yet hath shewn so foul a face, as not to finde a patron?) If we consider what mountebanks we have in Divinity, as well as in Physick, who seek not men, but theirs, and not to cure their souls, but their own poverty, we shall find reason enough to be jealous, that there hath been a kinde of conspi∣racy made to meet and satisfie this so inordinate and pernitious desire, and to betray the of truth of Christ to this soul and loath∣some humor.
We must enquire then, what it is to please men, and from whence