Trav. Indeed there are many Divines of that opinion, but I can shew an hundred Texts of Scripture, which doe plainly prove, that such a Reformation shall come before the day of judgement.
Sch. Yea, I have read many plaine Texts of Scripture to that purpose, but when I searched the Expositors, I found that they did generally expound them mystically.
Trav. That is true; but worthy St. Hierome, considering that those places of Scripture would not beare an Allegoricall exposition, said thus, Possumus sicut & multi alii omnia hæc spiritualiter exponere, sed vereor, ne hujusmodi expositionem, prudentes lectores nequaquam recipiant.
Sch. I am of St. Hierom's minde, and therefore with alacrity let us pursue our good intentions, and bee good instruments in this worke of Reformation.
Trav. There be naturall causes also to further it; for the Art of Printing will so spread knowledge, that the common people, knowing their own rights and liberties, will not be governed by way of oppression;
and so, by little and little, all Kingdomes will be like to Macaria.
Sch. That will bee a good change, when as well superiors as inferiors shall bee more happy: Well, I am imparadised in my minde, in thinking that England may bee made happy, with such expedition and facility.
Trav. Well, doe you know any man that hath any secrets, or good experiments? I will give him gold for them, or others as good in exchange; that is all the trade I have driven a long time, those riches are free from Customes and Impositions, and I have travelled through many Kingdomes, and paid neither fraight nor Custome for my wares, though I valued them above all the riches in the Kingdome.
Sch. I know a Gentleman that is greatly addicted to try experiments, but how hee hath prospered I am not certaine; I will bring you acquainted with him, perhaps you may doe one another good.
Trav. Well, I have appointed a meeting at two of the clocke this day, I love to discourse with Scholars, yet wee must part; if you meet mee here the next Munday at the Exchange, I Will declare to you some more of the Lawes, Customes, and manners of the inhabitants of Macaria.