Yet must I speak. For is there not reigning in London as
much pride, as much covetousness, as much cruelty, as much oppression,
and as much superstition, as was in Nebo? Yes, I think, and much more
too. Therefore I say, repent, O London; repent, repent. Thou hearest
thy faults told thee, amend them, amend them. I think, if Nebo had had
the preaching that thou hast, they would have converted. And, you rulers
and officers, be wise and circumspect, look to your charge, and see you
do your duties; and rather be glad to amend your ill living than to be
angry when you are warned or told of your fault. What ado was there made
in London at a certain man, because he said, (and indeed at that time on
a just cause,) "Burgesses!" quoth he, "nay, Butterflies." Lord, what ado
there was for that word! And yet would God they were no worse than
butterflies! Butterflies do but their nature: the butterfly is not
covetous, is not greedy, of other men's goods; is not full of envy and
hatred, is not malicious, is not cruel, is not merciless. The butterfly
glorieth not in her own deeds, nor preferreth the traditions of men
before God's word; it committeth not idolatry, nor worshippeth false
gods. But London cannot abide to be rebuked; such is the nature of man.
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