Chapter XXVIII. That some usurp to themselves the degree of Peacemakers

We do not wonder, Brethren, we who have compassion on the present state of the Church; we do not wonder that from the root of the Serpent has issued a Cockatrice. We do not wonder if he gather the Vintage of the Lord's Vineyard, who transgresses the way ordained by the Lord. For he impudently invades the degree of a Peace-maker, and the Office of a Son of God, who has not as yet heard the very first Voice of the Lord, making him to reflect upon his own heart: or if perhaps at any time he has begun to hear it, returning back again, he ran to the Fig-leaves, that he might be hidden by them. Wherefore neither has he as yet ceased to sin, but still draws a long chain after him; he is not yet made a man seeing his own poverty, but he says, for I am rich, and want nothing, when he is indeed poor, and naked, and piteously miserable. He has nothing of the spirit of Meekness, whereby he might be able to instruct those who are overtaken with a fault, considering himself, lest he also may not be tempted. Being a stranger to tears of compunction, he rather rejoyces when he has done ill, and exults in the worst things. To wit, he is one of those to whom our Lord says; Wo be to you who laugh now, for ye shall mourn, Lu. 6. His eyes covet Money, not Justice, and he looks at every high thing, he miserably hungers after Dignities, he thirsts after Human Glory, the Bowels of Mercy are far from him, he rather rejoyces in Cruelty, and to play the Tyrant, he counts Gain Piety. Why do I speak of cleanness of heart? I wish he had not wholly forgotten it, as one dead, as to his heart; I wish he were not a seduced Dove, that has no heart; would to God even that which is without were but clean, and that the spotted Coat which pertains to the Body, were not to be found; and that he did even in this part, obey him that says; Be clean you who carry the vessels of the Lord.