10 But chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness, and despise government. Presumptuous are they, selfwilled, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities.



Ver. 10. But chiefly] {See Trapp on "Heb_13:4"}



That walk after the flesh] That is, the harlot; as filthy dogs follow after a salt bitch: so the harlot is called, Deu_23:18. The Helvetians had an old custom in their towns and villages, that when they received any new priest into their churches, they used to premonish him before, to take his concubine, lest he should attempt any misuse of their wives and daughters.



To speak evil of dignities] Here we have a lively picture of the Popish clergy. Aretius, by a longer custom of libellous and contumelious speaking against princes, had got such a habit, that at last he came to diminish and disesteem God himself. How boldly and basely doth Baronius bellow against the king of Spain his sovereign! and he defends himself against another cardinal, reprehending his fierceness, thus, An imperious (impetuous he should have said) zeal hath no power to spare God himself.