such a plot, when the prophets and teachers of the church, those who are
CHAPTER 5: Persecution Reproach and the Worlds Praise
such a plot, when the prophets and teachers of the church, those who are responsible for teaching, that these (I say) are like hired singers who perform a sweet and pleasant song, and which tickles the ears of the listeners without any profit. And yet those who delight in such flattery will say, Oh, what a good teacher, the good man. And what better could we want? So when some want to be so flattered, and others will also speak as they please, here is our Lord Jesus Christ who comes thundering against all this, Woe to you (he says) when men will say well of you, because in the end you will have to experience how you were abused when the false prophets applauded you: for there will be only a curse on your heads, and on both, when the world has said well of you.
Therefore, let us note that this last point here is expressed in particular, to warn those who have the responsibility of carrying the word of God, that if they are hated, if they are blamed, if they are detracted from, even if they try to do well and fulfill their duty, they must continue faithfully in their course: and this is a doctrine common to all, that is to say of which the benefit extends to all members of the church: namely, we learn not to praise and magnify those to whom we applaud from all sides, because they only ask to flatter in order to acquire favor. Let us therefore remember not to prize such people, if we do not want to be condemned by God by approving evil: but let us learn to praise those who do not seek to gain reputation and influence by flattery, but who reject everything which could prevent them from duly fulfilling their duty. When we have this, we will fulfill what is said in the Psalm, to bless those who come in the name of God: until he gathers us into his eternal Kingdom, where we will enjoy all the good things which are now promised to us, and which we await.
Now let us bow before the majesty of our good God, etc.