_Reason_ 1. Because the multitude doth not lessen, but rather increase the guilt of sinne, and more fill up the measure thereof, as it is in the Proverbe, _Qui peccat exemplo, bis peccat_, he that sins with example, sins twice: So he that sins with many examples, sins often times, if the thing be rightly considered. As if a man should see another fall in a slippery way, and not take the more heed unto himselfe therein, but fall into the same place and after the same manner, he is much more taxed by men, then if he had fallen alone, or first of all: so is it also in these. 2. Because the multitude which seemeth unto us a great thing, as if it could withstand Gods anger, is before God like unto water, that fals from a bucket. _Vse._ This may serve to admonish us, not to follow a multitude to do evill. And so much the more necessary is this admonition, because we are all too prone to go in the way of the multitude; which fault also we seeme to commit with some reason. 1. Because that we presume that many eyes see more then one, whence it is that the voice of the people is often taken for the voice of God. 2. Because the labour of examination seemes too difficult, and almost impossible. 3. Because that which all men do, usually goes unpunished among men, and we conceive the like thing of God. 4. Because he that doth not follow the multitude, shall gaine a multitude of enemies, and such as hate him. But the contrary reason, which is of greater value then all those, is that of Christ, _Matthew 7.13._ _Broad is the way that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat_. To the first reason or objection we answer; that one eye of a man that seeth, perceives more, then a thousand blind eyes. The world or the multitude of the world is blinded; therefore one Christian which hath the eye of his mind inlightned by the Spirit, and followes the light of Gods word, can see more then a great multitude of others. To the second we answer, that the duty of examination lies upon all and every one. And they had need to do it, not only as they are Christians, and as Christ commands them, to prove all things, and hold fast that which is good, but also as they are men: for it is not a humane, but a brutish thing to follow the multitude of those that go before, without judgement. To the third we answer, that the wayes of God are not as the wayes of men: Men winck at many, either out of ignorance, or impotency, or for feare, and the like imperfections which are not incident to God. To the fourth we answer, If God be with us, who can be against us? Doctrine 2. _The creatures which are most necessary and profitable unto us, by sin are made our enemies and hurtfull unto us._ This is gathered from the flood of waters, that destroyed the old world. Now nothing is more necessary and profitable unto us then water.