his_o word_n but_o he_o provide_v especial_o by_o his_o wonderful_a providence_n that_o the_o same_o shall_v be_v commit_v to_o writing_n and_o so_o commend_v to_o everlasting_a memory_n for_o god_o himself_o with_o his_o own_o finger_n write_v his_o law_n in_o two_o table_n of_o stone_n and_o then_o command_v that_o by_o moses_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o prophet_n his_o say_n and_o do_n shall_v be_v put_v in_o write_v exodus_fw-la 17.24.34_o deuteronomy_n 6.31_o joshua_n 24._o jeremy_n 36._o psalm_n 102._o by_o these_o what_o thing_n so_o ever_o be_v write_v they_o be_v call_v by_o the_o name_n of_o scripture_n whereupon_o christ_n himself_o by_o the_o scripture_n understand_v the_o book_n of_o moses_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o of_o the_o psalm_n john_n 5._o luke_n 24._o to_o the_o same_o book_n do_v the_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n will_v we_o to_o have_v recourse_n while_o to_o the_o confirmation_n of_o their_o own_o assertion_n they_o oftentimes_o and_o that_o desirous_o allege_v the_o testimony_n of_o scripture_n but_o we_o must_v know_v that_o even_o the_o book_n of_o these_o also_o be_v account_v with_o the_o rest_n in_o one_o and_o the_o self_n same_o order_n of_o scripture_n whether_o they_o bear_v the_o name_n and_o tittle_n of_o gospel_n or_o act_n or_o epistle_n for_o it_o be_v out_o of_o all_o doubt_n and_o controversy_n that_o whatsoever_o be_v comprehend_v in_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o canonical_a book_n be_v the_o very_a true_a and_o healthsome_a word_n of_o god_o publish_v and_o put_v forth_o by_o his_o commandment_n all_o scripture_n say_v the_o apostle_n 2._o timoth._n 3_n be_v inspire_v of_o god._n and_o peter_n in_o he_o 2._o epistle_n chap._n 1._o prophesy_v say_v he_o come_v not_o in_o old_a time_n by_o the_o will_n of_o man_n but_o holy_a man_n of_o god_o speak_v as_o they_o be_v move_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o like_v as_o the_o writer_n as_o well_o of_o the_o old_a as_o of_o the_o new_a testament_n receive_v a_o commandment_n from_o one_o and_o the_o self_n same_o god_o and_o our_o and_o the_o self_n same_o spirit_n inspire_v their_o mind_n govern_v their_o hand_n and_o pen_n psalm_n 68_o act_n 2.1_o corinth_n â—â—_o ephes_n 4._o even_o so_o all_o the_o whole_a scripture_n be_v in_o a_o manner_n one_o book_n reveal_v with_o wonderful_a consent_n thing_n most_o diverse_a and_o manifold_a as_o jeremy_n expound_v the_o 29._o chapter_n of_o isaiah_n and_o saint_n augustine_n in_o his_o preface_n to_o the_o 150._o psalm_n do_v learned_o gather_v which_o thing_n see_v they_o be_v so_o we_o do_v with_o great_a cause_n vehement_o speak_v in_o the_o commendation_n of_o this_o book_n not_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o paper_n or_o parchment_n and_o of_o this_o or_o that_o tongue_n or_o of_o one_o kind_n of_o letter_n or_o other_o or_o of_o the_o gold_n or_o diversity_n of_o colour_n wherewith_o it_o be_v garnish_v and_o set_v forth_o but_o even_o in_o respect_n that_o it_o contain_v the_o most_o holy_a and_o sacred_a word_n of_o god_o himself_o and_o therefore_o do_v affirm_v that_o out_o of_o it_o man_n ought_v to_o learn_v both_o by_o read_v and_o hear_v what_o god_o have_v decree_v of_o we_o and_o of_o our_o salvation_n for_o we_o must_v know_v that_o to_o this_o end_n especial_o all_o book_n be_v write_v even_o that_o they_o shall_v diligent_o be_v read_v and_o by_o often_o read_v over_o be_v ful_o understand_v that_o so_o desire_a fruit_n may_v redound_v to_o the_o understander_n of_o they_o now_o there_o be_v three_o special_a cause_n why_o we_o shall_v bestow_v more_o diligence_n in_o peruse_v this_o latter_a book_n than_o the_o former_a first_o greater_z be_v the_o dignity_n of_o god_n word_n than_o of_o the_o whole_a world_n cause_n the_o world_n in_o deed_n be_v create_v of_o the_o same_o that_o the_o word_n come_v from_o which_o we_o so_o great_o commend_v and_o either_o book_n be_v indifferent_o call_v the_o book_n of_o god_o yet_o nevertheless_o the_o latter_a excel_v for_o so_o much_o as_o we_o find_v recite_v in_o it_o the_o self_n same_o word_n that_o god_o use_v when_o he_o make_v the_o world_n of_o nothing_o for_o we_o read_v god_o say_v let_v there_o be_v light_n and_o the_o light_n be_v make_v again_o god_n say_v let_v there_o be_v a_o firmament_fw-mi and_o there_o be_v make_v a_o firmament_n and_o so_o forth_o of_o other_o thing_n and_o whereas_o by_o the_o former_a book_n we_o perceive_v only_o that_o there_o be_v a_o world_n by_o the_o latter_a we_o may_v perceive_v what_o be_v before_o the_o world_n and_o from_o whence_o and_o by_o what_o mean_v the_o same_o take_v beginning_n therefore_o whether_o we_o be_v never_o able_a to_o aspire_v in_o search_v of_o cause_n by_o the_o conduct_v of_o natural_a reason_n thither_o be_v we_o bring_v by_o faith_n which_o faith_n be_v intentivelye_o fix_v on_o the_o word_n of_o god_o reveal_v read_v or_o hard_a for_o faith_n come_v by_o hear_v of_o the_o word_n and_o by_o faith_n we_o understand_v that_o the_o world_n be_v ordain_v through_o the_o word_n of_o god_o so_o that_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v see_v be_v make_v of_o thing_n that_o appear_v not_o rom._n 10._o heb._n 11._o second_o whatsoever_o thing_n be_v necessary_a to_o be_v know_v as_o touch_v the_o will_n of_o god_o and_o our_o salvation_n be_v clear_o and_o express_o declare_v in_o the_o write_a word_n of_o god_o but_o how_o far_o short_a shall_v we_o come_v to_o think_v that_o the_o same_o be_v as_o apparent_o represent_v in_o the_o frame_n of_o the_o world_n great_a be_v the_o darkness_n of_o man_n mind_n and_o oft_o time_n even_o in_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v most_o manifest_a by_o nature_n they_o be_v more_o blind_a than_o be_v the_o owl_n in_o the_o noon_n day_n and_o then_o do_v we_o all_o common_o most_o foul_o overshoot_v and_o deceive_v ourselves_o when_o we_o begin_v once_o to_o dispute_v of_o god_o and_o of_o matter_n appertain_v to_o salvation_n for_o proof_n whereof_o be_v so_o many_o and_o so_o absurd_a fond_a and_o fantastical_a i_o will_v not_o say_v ridiculous_a opinion_n which_o the_o philosopher_n devise_v as_o touch_v god_o and_o their_o summum_fw-la bonum_fw-la whereof_o the_o number_n grow_v as_o marcus_n varro_n recount_v in_o augustine_n in_o his_o book_n 19_o chapter_n 1._o of_o the_o city_n of_o god_o to_o a_o hundred_o fourscore_o and_o eight_o and_o hermias_n a_o christian_a philosopher_n reckon_v up_o some_o of_o they_o 〈◊〉_d and_o laugh_v they_o well_o favouredlye_o to_o scorn_v in_o his_o book_n entitle_v a_o deride_v of_o the_o profane_a philosopher_n but_o undoubted_o he_o shall_v at_o length_n be_v free_a from_o all_o error_n and_o shall_v gather_v to_o himself_o substantial_a knowledge_n that_o never_o at_o any_o time_n depart_v from_o the_o footstep_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n it_o be_v a_o heinous_a offence_n to_o determine_v any_o thing_n of_o religion_n or_o of_o the_o state_n of_o a_o better_a life_n only_o by_o the_o direction_n of_o nature_n except_o the_o censure_n be_v give_v out_o of_o the_o table_n of_o god_n word_n and_o as_o well_o the_o scripture_n itself_o as_o nature_n be_v find_v to_o sumpe_v together_o in_o one_o and_o therefore_o wise_o the_o prophet_n psalm_n 19_o after_o discourse_n have_v of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_o to_o be_v discern_v by_o the_o workmanship_n of_o the_o heaven_n and_o of_o the_o firmament_fw-it add_v immediate_o a_o commendation_n of_o the_o law_n and_o write_v word_n of_o god_n the_o law_n of_o the_o lord_n say_v he_o be_v undefiled_a convert_n the_o soul_n the_o testimony_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v sure_a give_v wisdom_n to_o the_o simple_a the_o statute_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v right_a rejoice_v the_o heart_n the_o precept_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v pure_a give_v light_n to_o the_o eye_n as_o though_o he_o shall_v say_v we_o can_v by_o no_o mean_n attain_v to_o the_o sanctuary_n of_o the_o eternal_a and_o simple_a truth_n without_o the_o bright_a brand_n of_o scripture_n burn_v before_o we_o which_o thing_n no_o doubt_n be_v signify_v by_o those_o wise_a man_n who_o come_v from_o the_o east_n part_n of_o the_o world_n although_o for_o a_o space_n they_o right_o follow_v the_o star_n as_o the_o rule_n of_o reason_n yet_o be_v it_o needful_a for_o they_o to_o the_o intent_n they_o may_v find_v out_o christ_n the_o king_n and_o worship_v he_o to_o be_v resolve_v out_o of_o the_o oracle_n of_o the_o prophet_n as_o concern_v the_o place_n where_o he_o shall_v be_v bear_v math_n 2._o the_o holy_a man_n antonius_n may_v in_o deed_n say_v with_o a_o safe_a conscience_n that_o this_o huge_a and_o unmeasurable_a world_n be_v to_o he_o in_o stead_n of_o a_o book_n for_o so_o muchâ—_n as_o
he_o without_o any_o knowledge_n of_o good_a letter_n have_v both_o perfect_o learn_v without_o book_n the_o holy_a scripture_n by_o hear_v they_o red_a i_o use_v the_o ward_n of_o saint_n augustine_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o his_o work_n of_o christian_a doctrine_n and_o also_o wise_o understand_v they_o by_o ponder_v and_o consider_v of_o they_o but_o it_o be_v no_o wisdom_n for_o other_o that_o be_v utter_o void_a of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o scripture_n so_o to_o speak_v the_o sum_n therefore_o of_o the_o matter_n be_v this_o that_o in_o nature_n be_v see_v only_o certain_a picture_n and_o as_o a_o man_n will_v say_v counterfette_v of_o thing_n in_o scripture_n the_o thing_n and_o truth_n itself_o and_o therefore_o that_o all_o opinion_n as_o touch_v religion_n which_o be_v to_o be_v account_v firm_a and_o stable_a aught_o to_o be_v ratify_v by_o the_o warrant_n and_o defence_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n three_o iii_o see_v man_n be_v to_o be_v teach_v and_o instruct_v all_o must_v needs_o grant_n that_o the_o write_a book_n of_o god_n word_n be_v most_o fit_n for_o our_o understanding_n and_o capacity_n for_o true_o to_o mark_v the_o thing_n that_o happen_v in_o this_o visible_a world_n to_o ensearche_v the_o cause_n thereof_o further_o to_o examine_v what_o signification_n they_o have_v as_o touch_v the_o power_n the_o righteousness_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n again_o what_o thing_n ought_v to_o be_v follow_v and_o embrace_v in_o undertake_v of_o duty_n of_o function_n be_v a_o thing_n very_a difficulty_n and_o give_v to_o very_a few_o man_n but_o sith_o these_o and_o such_o like_a thing_n be_v appararant_o discuss_v in_o the_o monument_n of_o writer_n and_o that_o in_o a_o simple_a and_o know_v phrase_n of_o speak_v it_o can_v not_o be_v but_o that_o even_o the_o rude_a and_o plain_a reader_n or_o hearer_n may_v speedy_o attain_v unto_o they_o and_o for_o this_o cause_n very_o it_o be_v why_o the_o custom_n be_v common_o receive_v that_o the_o rule_n of_o every_o art_n and_o discipline_n be_v of_o author_n pen_v and_o write_v in_o certain_a book_n yea_o and_o saint_n hierome_n in_o his_o preface_n to_o the_o wail_n of_o jeremy_n be_v bold_a to_o say_v that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o book_n shall_v no_o soon_o cease_v and_o have_v a_o end_n than_o we_o in_o a_o better_a state_n of_o life_n shall_v be_v with_o christ_n and_o become_v like_a unto_o the_o angel_n wherefore_o if_o so_o be_v we_o will_v upright_o weigh_v and_o consider_v these_o three_o cause_n true_o they_o may_v worthy_o move_v we_o to_o love_n and_o embrace_v the_o book_n of_o holy_a scripture_n before_o all_o other_o book_n and_o even_o with_o earnest_a desire_n to_o be_v occupy_v in_o it_o day_n and_o night_n admit_v if_o you_o will_v that_o the_o book_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n be_v wonderful_a and_o in_o many_o respect_n high_o to_o be_v esteem_v yet_o no_o man_n be_v ignorant_a of_o this_o that_o among_o divers_a book_n offer_v that_o especial_o be_v to_o be_v prefer_v before_o the_o rest_n which_o we_o see_v to_o excel_v both_o in_o weyghtynesse_n of_o the_o content_n in_o the_o method_n and_o plainness_n of_o teach_n and_o for_o many_o cause_n to_o be_v most_o expedient_a for_o we_o good_a schoolmaster_n be_v accustom_v to_o propound_v and_o commend_v to_o their_o hearer_n such_o book_n as_o they_o suppose_v to_o be_v most_o profitable_a for_o they_o and_o he_o that_o be_v a_o thrifty_a scholar_n despise_v not_o the_o judgement_n of_o his_o master_n but_o provide_v they_o desirous_o exercise_v himself_o in_o they_o and_o make_v great_a account_n of_o they_o consider_v that_o unless_o he_o so_o do_v it_o will_v come_v to_o pass_v that_o he_o shall_v with_o shame_n be_v thrust_v out_o of_o the_o school_n and_o shall_v have_v his_o name_n utter_o raze_v out_o of_o the_o register_n of_o the_o learned_a tell_v i_o therefore_o see_v god_o our_o schoolmaster_n both_o most_o wise_a and_o also_o most_o desirous_a of_o our_o profit_v do_v commend_v unto_o we_o more_o than_o can_v be_v utter_v in_o word_n the_o book_n of_o holy_a scripture_n and_o we_o ourselves_o may_v judge_v the_o same_o far_o to_o surmount_v all_o other_o book_n shall_v not_o grievous_a punishment_n worthy_o be_v allot_v unto_o we_o if_o we_o neither_o provide_v nor_o endeavour_v to_o read_v the_o holy_a and_o sacred_a bible_n wherefore_o to_o the_o end_n i_o may_v stir_v up_o as_o with_o a_o watchword_n and_o a_o alarm_n give_v all_o the_o professor_n of_o christian_a religion_n to_o the_o diligent_a read_n of_o this_o book_n wherein_o be_v write_v the_o very_a word_n of_o god_o i_o will_v assay_v to_o set_v down_o in_o order_n certain_a reason_n as_o they_o shall_v come_v to_o hand_n have_v this_o especial_o in_o my_o prayer_n that_o so_o many_o as_o be_v possible_a while_o they_o shall_v give_v themselves_o to_o the_o read_n and_o meditation_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n may_v both_o become_v great_a favourer_n of_o sincere_a religion_n and_o also_o better_o give_v in_o their_o life_n and_o conversation_n for_o i_o be_o full_o persuade_v of_o this_o and_o i_o covet_v to_o have_v all_o man_n persuade_v of_o the_o like_a that_o it_o can_v not_o be_v that_o any_o man_n shall_v oftentimes_o and_o attentive_o read_v or_o hear_v red_a the_o holy_a scripture_n but_o that_o he_o shall_v feel_v himself_o daily_o to_o go_v forward_o and_o to_o profit_n somewhat_o in_o amendment_n of_o life_n and_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o goolinesse_n for_o why_o it_o be_v not_o for_o nothing_o that_o god_o himself_o in_o the_o prophet_n isaiah_n chap._n 55._o say_v like_a as_o the_o rain_n and_o the_o snow_n come_v down_o from_o heaven_n and_o return_v not_o thither_o again_o but_o water_v the_o earth_n and_o make_v it_o to_o bring_v forth_o and_o bud_v that_o it_o may_v give_v seed_n to_o the_o sour_a and_o bread_n unto_o he_o that_o eat_v even_o so_o shall_v my_o word_n be_v that_o go_v out_o of_o my_o mouth_n it_o shall_v not_o return_v unto_o i_o void_a but_o it_o shall_v accomplish_v that_o which_o i_o will_v and_o it_o shall_v prosper_v in_o the_o thing_n whereto_o i_o send_v it_o and_o true_o experience_n teach_v we_o that_o the_o matter_n be_v even_o so_o as_o the_o prophet_n say_v for_o as_o much_o as_o we_o always_o see_v for_o the_o most_o part_n that_o out_o of_o the_o heart_n of_o those_o that_o use_v reverent_o to_o read_v or_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_o wonderful_a not_o only_a flower_n but_o fruit_n also_o of_o faith_n and_o love_n do_v proceed_v as_o therefore_o we_o show_v at_o the_o beginning_n understand_v that_o all_o the_o sort_n of_o we_o ought_v to_o learn_v matter_n of_o divinity_n and_o the_o will_n of_o god_o for_o that_o we_o be_v man_n create_v of_o god_o so_o for_o because_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o all_o that_o knowledge_n be_v to_o be_v get_v out_o of_o that_o book_n wherein_o the_o word_n or_o sermon_n of_o god_o be_v describe_v and_o contain_v it_o be_v worthy_o require_v of_o man_n to_o who_o alone_o it_o be_v give_v to_o utter_v distinct_o word_n of_o signification_n to_o write_v the_o same_o word_n to_o read_v the_o same_o be_v write_v to_o hear_v and_o understand_v to_o learn_v any_o thing_n by_o word_n &_o sentence_n &_o again_o to_o teach_v it_o be_v worthy_o require_v i_o say_v of_o man_n that_o he_o shall_v with_o all_o possible_a diligence_n be_v occupy_v and_o conversant_a in_o the_o say_a book_n for_o true_o by_o the_o power_n of_o speak_v and_o understand_v of_o word_n man_n excel_v all_o other_o creature_n which_o benefit_n it_o be_v requisite_a that_o we_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v so_o much_o the_o more_o notable_a by_o how_o much_o more_o we_o be_v all_o move_v by_o nature_n to_o grief_n so_o oft_o as_o we_o look_v upon_o any_o that_o be_v endue_v with_o the_o shape_n of_o man_n &_o yet_o void_a of_o the_o use_n of_o communication_n and_o reason_n for_o we_o make_v account_v of_o they_o to_o be_v in_o no_o better_a case_n than_o bruit_n beast_n than_o stock_n stone_n or_o dumb_a image_n therefore_o god_o who_o have_v create_v all_o thing_n by_o his_o word_n will_v have_v man_n who_o he_o make_v ruler_n over_o all_o creature_n in_o conceive_v of_o godliness_n to_o be_v exercise_v with_o a_o most_o noble_a gift_n that_o be_v to_o say_v speech_n or_o utterance_n of_o word_n and_o he_o himself_o will_v teach_v and_o enstruct_v he_o by_o word_n for_o this_o cause_n god_o the_o father_n such_o be_v the_o great_a love_n he_o bear_v to_o man_n be_v record_v oftentimes_o to_o have_v talk_v very_o love_o with_o his_o elect_v the_o patriarch_n and_o prophet_n and_o god_o the_o son_n who_o have_v great_a delight_n to_o be_v conversant_a with_o
upon_o which_o occasion_n he_o affirm_v that_o his_o work_n de_fw-fr fide_fw-la &_o operibus_fw-la take_v the_o beginning_n and_o that_o in_o those_o day_n the_o laity_n be_v accustom_v of_o their_o own_o accord_n to_o handle_v the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o they_o have_v scarce_o any_o need_n of_o admonition_n this_o may_v be_v a_o proof_n suffcient_a that_o augustine_n like_v as_o hierome_n also_o before_o he_o be_v often_o time_n anon_o of_o virgin_n and_o woman_n not_o only_o lover_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n but_o also_o expert_a in_o they_o earnest_o call_v upon_o by_o letter_n to_o resolve_v they_o in_o certain_a doubt_n and_o that_o for_o their_o sake_n he_o one_o while_o declare_v hard_a and_o perplex_v question_n which_o they_o do_v put_v sooth_n a_o otherwhile_o do_v some_o other_o thing_n to_o provoke_v and_o help_v forward_o the_o study_n of_o godliness_n read_v his_o epistle_n to_o paulina_n demetriades_n fabiola_n felicia_n prota_n 〈◊〉_d edith_n florentina_n a_o maid_n and_o maxima_fw-la a_o widow_n of_o italy_n in_o his_o second_o book_n de_fw-fr anima_fw-la &_o â—â—â—â—igme_n he_o tell_v of_o one_o peter_n a_o old_a priest_n that_o he_o learn_v many_o thing_n of_o a_o young_a man_n of_o the_o laity_n and_o that_o he_o rejoice_v exceed_o and_o give_v hearty_a thank_n unto_o god_o therefore_o see_v then_o that_o by_o these_o and_o such_o like_a reason_n s._n augustine_n witness_v abundant_o that_o the_o study_n of_o holy_a scripture_n be_v in_o his_o time_n very_o common_a and_o familiar_a among_o man_n and_o that_o the_o people_n of_o all_o sort_n sex_n and_o age_n be_v able_a then_o godly_a and_o express_o both_o to_o question_v and_o make_v answer_n as_o touch_v the_o affair_n of_o religion_n it_o shall_v be_v superfluous_a to_o enterlace_v in_o these_o our_o write_n the_o exhortation_n to_o the_o same_o study_n which_o be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o his_o work_n very_o frequent_a and_o forceable_a very_o out_o of_o one_o only_a sermon_n which_o be_v entitle_v of_o the_o study_n of_o wisdom_n &_o meditation_n of_o god_n law_n as_o out_o of_o one_o bed_n i_o will_v gather_v certain_a flower_n whereby_o every_o man_n may_v easy_o conjecture_v what_o manner_n of_o posy_n of_o the_o same_o sort_n be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o rest_n of_o his_o sermon_n we_o have_v yet_o say_v he_o a_o good_a comfort_n in_o read_n the_o holy_a scripture_n because_o the_o read_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v no_o small_a foreknowledge_n of_o the_o divine_a blessedness_n for_o in_o they_o as_o in_o a_o certain_a glass_n a_o man_n may_v consider_v of_o himself_o what_o he_o be_v or_o whether_o he_o go_v continual_a read_v purify_v all_o thing_n it_o cause_v fear_n of_o hell_n sire_n it_o stir_v up_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o reader_n to_o long_o after_o heavenly_a joy_n he_o that_o will_v always_o be_v with_o god_o ought_v often_o to_o pray_v and_o read_v for_o when_o we_o pray_v we_o talk_v with_o god_o and_o when_o we_o read_v god_o talk_v with_o we_o the_o read_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n bring_v with_o it_o a_o double_a commodity_n either_o for_o that_o it_o instruct_v the_o understanding_n of_o the_o soul_n or_o because_o it_o lead_v a_o man_n from_o the_o vanity_n of_o the_o world_n to_o the_o love_n of_o god_o the_o labour_n bestow_v in_o read_v be_v commendable_a &_o avail_v much_o to_o the_o cleanse_n of_o the_o mind_n for_o like_a as_o the_o flesh_n be_v nourish_v with_o carnal_a meat_n so_o be_v the_o inner_a man_n nourish_v and_o feed_v with_o the_o divine_a oracle_n of_o god_o as_o say_v the_o psalm_a how_o sweet_a be_v thy_o testimony_n to_o my_o mouth_n oh_o lord_n yea_o they_o be_v sweet_a than_o honey_n and_o the_o honey_n comb_n but_o he_o be_v most_o bless_a of_o all_o that_o so_o read_v the_o holy_a scripture_n as_o he_o turn_v they_o into_o practice_n hitherto_o he_o sooth_o these_o word_n be_v well_o worthy_a to_o be_v write_v of_o the_o godly_a in_o golden_a letter_n and_o to_o be_v paint_v in_o those_o book_n which_o they_o daily_o bear_v about_o they_o to_o the_o intent_n they_o may_v oftentimes_o learn_v exact_o to_o weigh_v and_o consider_v every_o one_o of_o they_o saint_n ambrose_n ambrose_n who_o while_o he_o live_v s._n augustine_n most_o willing_o hear_v and_o reverence_v with_o all_o dutifulness_n in_o his_o sermon_n 35_o entitle_v of_o the_o fast_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o desert_n and_o that_o man_n live_v not_o by_o bread_n only_o again_o where_o he_o expound_v psal._n 118._o in_o his_o sermon_n 21._o exhort_v all_o the_o faithful_a to_o the_o diligent_a read_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o in_o his_o book_n of_o office_n &_o chapter_n 22._o he_o say_v that_o our_o word_n and_o communication_n ought_v chief_o to_o be_v frame_v of_o the_o scripture_n we_o may_v moreover_o call_v to_o remembrance_n the_o notable_a say_n of_o other_o famous_a man_n as_o touch_v this_o matter_n but_o i_o fear_v i_o lest_o these_o which_o we_o haste_v note_v already_o may_v seem_v to_o be_v over_o many_o and_o too_o too_o tedious_a to_o the_o queysie_n stomach_n of_o some_o how_o beit_o i_o can_v do_v no_o less_o but_o out_o of_o those_o most_o excellent_a author_n describe_v some_o thing_n even_o word_n for_o word_n and_o that_o partly_o to_o the_o intent_n we_o may_v testify_v to_o the_o world_n that_o we_o with_o all_o faithful_a sincerity_n and_o according_a to_o the_o judgement_n of_o most_o holy_a man_n do_v handle_v this_o cause_n partly_o to_o the_o end_n we_o may_v stop_v the_o mouth_n of_o some_o arrogant_a person_n which_o as_o soon_o as_o they_o perceive_v a_o man_n to_o differ_v from_o they_o in_o opinion_n do_v grin_v by_o and_o by_o exclaim_v without_o measure_n and_o accuse_v he_o of_o heresy_n not_o consider_v in_o the_o mean_a time_n that_o while_o they_o condemn_v we_o they_o condemn_v likewise_o the_o most_o excellent_a and_o ancient_a divine_n who_o voice_n have_v now_o be_v hear_v but_o since_o they_o have_v thus_o define_v &_o determine_v the_o be_v of_o all_o other_o in_o a_o manner_n as_o the_o common_a schoolmaster_n and_o teacher_n i_o mean_v origen_n chrisostome_n hierome_n augustine_n ambrose_n it_o can_v be_v doubtful_a to_o no_o man_n that_o all_o their_o scholar_n in_o like_a manner_n maintain_v the_o self_n same_o opinion_n and_o wheresoever_o they_o become_v with_o incredible_a diligence_n command_v it_o and_o set_v it_o forth_o for_o that_o a_o gentle_a and_o discreet_a disciple_n shall_v vary_v and_o disagree_v from_o his_o faithful_a schoolmaster_n profess_v the_o truth_n be_v a_o thing_n very_o rare_a or_o at_o jest_n very_o uncomely_a and_o uncivil_a and_o undoubted_o their_o epistle_n write_v to_o say_v man_n of_o diverse_a nation_n likewise_o unto_o virgin_n matron_n widow_n in_o all_o province_n where_o they_o dwell_v do_v declare_v that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a number_n that_o apply_v themselves_o lusty_o to_o the_o read_n for_o the_o holy_a scripture_n certes_o hierome_n write_v to_o sunia_n and_o fretela_n prove_v that_o in_o germany_n and_o even_o among_o the_o people_n call_v get_n where_o they_o inabit_v the_o common_a opinion_n be_v that_o the_o getes_n toward_o the_o north_n possess_v the_o bank_n of_o the_o river_n fistula_n and_o suedeland_n with_o the_o marchesse_n adjoin_v wherein_o of_o the_o name_n of_o getes_n come_v the_o goth_n &_o the_o covetrey_n of_o gothlande_n to_o be_v so_o call_v to_o this_o day_n the_o study_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o likewise_o of_o the_o greek_a and_o especial_o the_o hebrew_n tongue_n be_v at_o that_o time_n much_o make_v of_o and_o high_o esteem_v who_o will_v believe_v this_o say_v he_o that_o the_o barbarous_a tonged_a getes_n shall_v seek_v after_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o hebrew_n and_o that_o while_o the_o greek_n sleep_v nay_o rather_o labour_v to_o the_o contrary_n germany_n will_v search_v out_o the_o oracle_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n oh_o good_a god_n what_o a_o world_n be_v that_o wherein_o the_o laity_n both_o man_n and_o woman_n be_v find_v every_o where_o skilful_a in_o divine_a matter_n how_o sweet_o do_v such_o reason_n and_o confer_v together_o of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o gospel_n and_o of_o all_o the_o duty_n of_o godliness_n certes_o i_o believe_v the_o godly_a in_o those_o day_n try_v among_o themselves_o most_o honest_a mastery_n as_o family_n to_o be_v find_v in_o which_o there_o be_v not_o either_o the_o master_n or_o mistress_n either_o the_o son_n or_o the_o daughter_n or_o at_o jest_n wise_a some_o one_o or_o other_o of_o the_o household_n that_o can_v not_o at_o appoint_a time_n read_v certain_a chapter_n of_o the_o holy_a bible_n and_o indifferent_o well_o expound_v all_o the_o profitable_a place_n in_o they_o the_o holy_a book_n be_v at_o
thriftiness_n than_o he_o that_o understand_v no_o such_o matter_n but_o hang_v only_o upon_o the_o bare_a name_n of_o religion_n and_o cleave_v thereunto_o as_o to_o a_o holy_a anchor_n and_o suppose_v the_o knowledge_n of_o god_o to_o consist_v only_o in_o the_o bare_a name_n of_o the_o sect_n this_o law_n the_o emperor_n command_v to_o be_v open_o proclaim_v by_o ariobindus_n his_o livetenaunte_a and_o other_o officer_n and_o so_o many_o as_o will_v not_o obey_v it_o to_o forfeit_v all_o their_o good_n and_o to_o go_v into_o exile_n but_o if_o this_o most_o holy_a emperor_n be_v careful_a to_o determine_v in_o what_o tongue_n the_o jew_n who_o at_o that_o time_n as_o touch_v that_o matter_n contend_v very_o odious_o among_o themselves_o shall_v read_v the_o holy_a scripture_n why_o shall_v not_o our_o king_n &_o prince_n provide_v by_o law_n first_o that_o all_o christian_n under_o their_o dominion_n may_v read_v than_o next_o in_o what_o tongue_n they_o may_v read_v the_o sacred_a bible_n not_o so_o much_o public_o in_o church_n as_o private_a in_o their_o house_n and_o what_o shall_v we_o say_v of_o the_o emperor_n theodosius_n the_o second_o who_o as_o the_o report_n go_v and_o no_o doubt_n move_v by_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_o which_o be_v extante_fw-la as_o touch_v king_n deuteronomy_n 17._o write_v out_o with_o his_o own_o hand_n the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n read_v every_o morning_n in_o his_o house_n some_o part_n of_o they_o and_o recite_v customary_o certain_a psalm_n and_o prayer_n together_o with_o his_o wife_n she_o be_v eudocia_n the_o daughter_n of_o leontius_n a_o philosopher_n of_o athens_n of_o who_o they_o say_v be_v write_v right_o learn_v poem_n and_o with_o his_o sister_n but_o if_o i_o shall_v go_v about_o to_o produce_v more_o proof_n tend_v to_o this_o end_n i_o fear_v jest_n i_o shall_v incur_v offence_n who_o especial_o have_v exceed_v already_o the_o compass_n of_o a_o epistle_n therefore_o that_o my_o speech_n may_v draw_v to_o a_o end_n i_o be_o persuade_v very_o that_o it_o will_v then_o go_v well_o with_o the_o church_n and_o with_o the_o whole_a common_a wealth_n when_o as_o the_o king_n prince_n and_o all_o other_o magistrate_n of_o these_o our_o time_n serious_o turn_v their_o mind_n to_o the_o statute_n of_o the_o almighty_a and_o everliving_a god_o which_o be_v rehearse_v even_o now_o out_o of_o deuteronomie_n and_o to_o the_o example_n of_o the_o most_o noble_a emperor_n of_o who_o we_o have_v speak_v shall_v begin_v to_o put_v forth_o and_o with_o all_o godly_a diligence_n to_o commend_v unto_o the_o people_n commit_v to_o their_o charge_n law_n as_o touch_v the_o daily_a and_o domestical_a and_o that_o perdie_o in_o their_o own_o country_n language_n read_v hear_v and_o meditate_v of_o the_o holy_a bible_n and_o as_o for_o the_o reason_n wherewith_o man_n may_v be_v move_v to_o obey_v their_o most_o wholesome_a law_n and_o decree_n i_o have_v in_o this_o volume_n partly_o out_o of_o the_o most_o sacred_a sermon_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n partly_o out_o of_o the_o commentary_n of_o the_o most_o excellent_a doctor_n pack_v together_o as_o you_o will_v say_v in_o one_o bundle_n very_o many_o and_o the_o same_o not_o to_o be_v mislike_v so_o that_o this_o only_a remain_v namely_o that_o with_o what_o willingness_n and_o desire_n they_o be_v of_o i_o offer_v with_o the_o self_n same_o all_o man_n whensoever_o they_o shall_v read_v they_o will_v vouchsafe_v to_o receive_v they_o my_o purpose_n and_o scope_n to_o dispatch_v it_o in_o a_o word_n be_v to_o profit_v at_o leastwise_o somewhat_o by_o my_o labour_n all_o sort_n of_o man_n that_o be_v careful_a for_o a_o better_a life_n and_o for_o the_o everlasting_a salvation_n of_o their_o soul_n but_o unto_o your_o highness_n most_o noble_a prince_n i_o have_v think_v good_a to_o consecrate_v this_o work_n as_o well_o for_o sundry_a cause_n and_o consideration_n as_o also_o especial_o for_o twain_o which_o have_v in_o they_o more_o force_n than_o the_o rest_n the_o one_o be_v when_o i_o behold_v and_o consider_v the_o justice_n clemency_n gentleness_n and_o other_o virtue_n natural_o ingenerate_a in_o you_o together_o with_o the_o notable_a education_n and_o instruction_n worthy_a a_o most_o famous_a prince_n doubtless_o i_o be_o persuade_v that_o your_o highness_n may_v easy_o be_v bring_v to_o this_o point_n namely_o that_o you_o will_v not_o only_o exercise_v yourself_o daily_o in_o the_o read_n of_o the_o holy_a bible_n according_a to_o god_n commandment_n deuteronomie_n 17._o but_o also_o provoke_v and_o stir_v up_o one_o while_n by_o gentle_a exhortation_n another_o while_n by_o sharp_a and_o severe_a precept_n all_o the_o people_n and_o inhabitant_n of_o your_o dominion_n as_o god_o also_o have_v will_v deuteronomie_n 6._o and._n 11._o to_o the_o do_v and_o practise_v of_o the_o like_a for_o what_o shall_v not_o i_o look_v for_o at_o his_o hand_n who_o father_n friderike_n prince_n elector_n palatine_n and_o those_o twain_o of_o the_o same_o house_n never_o sufficient_o praise_v supply_v before_o he_o the_o selfsame_o honour_v to_o their_o innestimable_a commendation_n i_o mean_v fridericke_n and_o otho_n henry_n have_v accomplish_v many_o difficulty_n attempt_n for_o the_o amplify_a of_o god_n glory_n and_o increase_v of_o sincere_a religion_n neither_o have_v i_o any_o doubt_n but_o that_o your_o highness_n most_o noble_a father_n cause_v therefore_o of_o late_a the_o book_n of_o the_o divine_a oracle_n most_o clear_o and_o at_o his_o great_a charge_n to_o be_v print_v in_o the_o vulgar_a tongue_n to_o the_o intent_n that_o both_o innumerable_a copy_n may_v be_v convey_v and_o spread_v over_o all_o your_o dominion_n and_o other_o place_n and_o also_o be_v devoute_o read_v of_o every_o man_n for_o conscience_n sake_n in_o their_o private_a house_n the_o other_o cause_n be_v so_o soon_o as_o other_o potentate_n shall_v perceive_v you_o who_o glory_n stand_v aloft_o on_o a_o high_a and_o stately_a place_n to_o give_v some_o onset_n to_o the_o train_n of_o christian_a people_n to_o the_o read_n and_o exercise_v of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n it_o be_v very_o likely_a that_o immediate_o thereupon_o many_o of_o they_o that_o be_v in_o authority_n will_v stout_o follow_v in_o the_o selfsame_o rare_a of_o godliness_n it_o happen_v i_o wot_v not_o how_o that_o the_o virtue_n which_o proceed_v from_o prince_n and_o great_a man_n cast_v forth_o far_o and_o near_o a_o incredible_a brightness_n and_o as_o you_o will_v say_v beam_n whereby_o it_o both_o rouze_v up_o a_o great_a number_n and_o also_o allure_v they_o to_o mutation_n and_o even_o as_o witty_a painter_n do_v choose_v out_o all_o the_o welfavour_a body_n they_o can_v come_v by_o and_o do_v lay_v to_o get_v table_n that_o have_v be_v aforehand_o curious_o wrought_v by_o the_o cunning_a artificer_n of_o their_o occupation_n to_o the_o intent_n they_o may_v draw_v forth_o and_o express_v they_o with_o their_o pencil_n and_o colour_n so_o likewise_o such_o man_n as_o be_v of_o a_o noble_a courage_n and_o especial_o of_o a_o honourable_a stock_n and_o parentage_n do_v much_o more_o willing_o and_o desirous_o learn_v virtue_n of_o their_o equal_n than_o of_o any_o other_o sort_n of_o man_n besides_o whatsoever_o wherefore_o i_o most_o humble_o pray_v and_o beseech_v your_o highness_n to_o take_v well_o in_o worth_a my_o good_a will_n and_o meaning_n herein_o the_o king_n everlasting_a immortal_a invisible_a and_o god_o only_o wise_a unto_o who_o alone_o all_o honour_n and_o glory_n be_v due_a vouchsafe_v through_o jesus_n christ_n his_o son_n to_o inform_v your_o mind_n with_o his_o holy_a spirit_n to_o good_a government_n and_o to_o guide_v and_o defend_v you_o to_o the_o end_n farewell_n most_o noble_a prince_n the_o ides_n of_o march_n m.d.lxi_o of_o the_o read_n and_o daily_a meditation_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n very_o requisite_a and_o necessary_a for_o all_o christian_n of_o what_o estate_n or_o condition_n soever_o the_o first_o book_n all_o do_v agree_v in_o this_o that_o man_n differ_v from_o other_o creature_n in_o understanding_n and_o reason_n but_o if_o we_o shall_v proceed_v further_o and_o inquire_v wherein_o a_o christian_a &_o godly_a man_n may_v be_v discern_v from_o a_o unchristian_a and_o ungodly_a man_n very_o i_o do_v not_o see_v what_o fit_a answer_n may_v be_v make_v than_o in_o the_o knowledge_n if_o god_o and_o in_o the_o study_n of_o accomplish_v his_o will._n for_o as_o touch_v the_o wicked_a and_o ungodly_a man_n either_o he_o be_v altogether_o ignorant_a of_o god_o his_o maker_n and_o creator_n and_o utter_o void_a of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o will_n for_o else_o if_o he_o can_v give_v any_o judgement_n thereof_o at_o all_o yet_o be_v he_o move_v in_o the_o mean_a time_n with_o no_o desire_n of_o
deed_n to_o go_v about_o to_o procure_v the_o knowledge_n of_o god_o the_o father_n and_o of_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n otherwise_o than_o by_o read_v and_o hear_v of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v no_o less_o fond_a and_o absurd_a than_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v undertake_v in_o the_o dark_a night_n to_o hale_v a_o ship_n toss_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o a_o great_a and_o tempestuous_a sea_n altogether_o without_o stern_a without_o sail_n and_o oar_n without_o consideration_n of_o star_n or_o wind_n without_o direction_n of_o needle_n or_o any_o such_o help_n safe_a and_o sound_o to_o a_o certain_a and_o sure_a haven_n lie_v aloof_o and_o a_o great_a way_n off_o from_o he_o but_o undoubted_o very_o strange_a and_o wonderful_a be_v the_o perverse_a and_o preposterous_a judgement_n of_o a_o great_a number_n of_o christian_n in_o this_o behalf_n command_v in_o every_o profession_n we_o see_v it_o careful_o look_v unto_o every_o man_n may_v be_v skilful_a and_o that_o also_o to_o some_o purpose_n in_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v agreeable_a to_o his_o profession_n the_o lawyer_n forsooth_o they_o must_v have_v good_a sight_n in_o the_o civil_a law_n in_o the_o ordinance_n of_o their_o elder_n in_o custom_n in_o constitution_n and_o in_o the_o whole_a practice_n of_o courtlike_a matter_n the_o physician_n that_o will_v practice_v physic_n in_o any_o place_n must_v of_o necessity_n be_v skilful_a in_o the_o rule_n of_o his_o science_n that_o be_v to_o say_v of_o such_o as_o have_v write_v and_o give_v forth_o precept_n in_o that_o art_n among_o those_o that_o boast_n themselves_o to_o be_v philosopher_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o the_o sect_n of_o the_o stoic_n or_o of_o the_o peripatetic_n or_o of_o the_o academic_n look_v what_o master_n every_o one_o have_v swear_v and_o addict_v himself_o unto_o his_o decree_n and_o assertion_n he_o can_v declare_v very_o well_o and_o will_v defend_v to_o the_o uttermost_a of_o his_o power_n as_o touch_v the_o art_n aswell_o liberal_n as_o mechanical_a otherwise_o call_v handy_a craft_n no_o man_n be_v permit_v to_o vaunt_v himself_o in_o the_o name_n and_o title_n either_o of_o the_o one_o or_o of_o the_o other_o unless_o he_o have_v first_o give_v forth_o some_o trial_n of_o his_o cunning_n and_o that_o before_o such_o as_o can_v judge_v of_o the_o same_o what_o corruption_n then_o and_o preposterousness_n of_o judgement_n be_v this_o that_o be_v amongst_o we_o detestable_a before_o god_n and_o man_n when_o we_o suppose_v he_o to_o be_v a_o trim_a christian_a that_o never_o know_v what_o christianity_n mean_v nor_o ever_o learned_a out_o of_o the_o holy_a bible_n any_o one_o jot_n of_o those_o thing_n that_o christ_n teach_v and_o command_v to_o be_v observe_v of_o his_o disciple_n phormio_n be_v in_o his_o time_n a_o notable_a philosopher_n who_o in_o read_v diverse_a and_o sundry_a book_n have_v note_v no_o doubt_n many_o thing_n as_o touch_v the_o feat_n of_o war_n and_o martial_a discipline_n yet_o in_o the_o mean_a while_n as_o concern_v the_o office_n of_o a_o good_a captain_n he_o can_v say_v little_a or_o nothing_o to_o any_o purpose_n insomuch_o that_o when_o on_o a_o time_n he_o assay_v to_o say_v somewhat_o that_o way_n he_o be_v check_v of_o annibal_n a_o famous_a and_o expert_a captain_n and_o so_o shake_v off_o as_o a_o fond_a and_o dote_a old_a man_n if_o the_o case_n stand_v thus_o with_o phormio_n who_o have_v read_v many_o thing_n than_o i_o pray_v you_o how_o shall_v we_o believe_v that_o any_o man_n can_v either_o true_o judge_v or_o fit_o speak_v of_o christian_a religion_n that_o have_v never_o so_o much_o as_o look_v upon_o the_o outward_a cover_n of_o those_o book_n in_o which_o the_o foundation_n of_o that_o doctrine_n be_v lay_v how_o much_o more_o wise_a and_o upright_a in_o this_o behalf_n than_o a_o number_n of_o christian_n be_v the_o wicked_a and_o ungodly_a jew_n painful_o who_o we_o so_o great_o detest_v and_o abhor_v as_o those_o that_o be_v exclude_v from_o the_o fellowship_n of_o god_n child_n they_o will_v not_o suffer_v any_o house_n amongst_o they_o to_o be_v without_o the_o book_n of_o holy_a scripture_n especial_o of_o moses_n law_n to_o the_o intent_n that_o at_o certain_a time_n appoint_v their_o family_n may_v read_v and_o peruse_v private_o some_o thing_n in_o they_o that_o may_v serve_v to_o their_o edify_n and_o instruction_n neither_o will_v they_o have_v such_o as_o be_v man_n grow_v only_o but_o their_o child_n also_o to_o be_v diligent_o occupy_v in_o learning_n the_o law_n suppose_v as_o who_o shall_v say_v that_o it_o make_v great_o for_o their_o behoof_n that_o so_o many_o as_o have_v receive_v the_o mark_n of_o circumcision_n shall_v even_o forthwith_o be_v nouzele_v in_o the_o principle_n of_o their_o jewish_a religion_n but_o i_o pray_v you_o what_o do_v we_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n forsooth_o even_o sleep_n until_o we_o snort_v again_o and_o cast_v from_o we_o all_o shame_n commend_v those_o for_o wonderful_a good_a christian_n that_o neither_o in_o their_o young_a year_n neither_o in_o their_o old_a age_n have_v ever_o vouchsafe_v to_o taste_v out_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n any_o smack_n at_o all_o of_o those_o thing_n which_o it_o behove_v every_o good_a christian_a to_o know_v as_o perfect_o as_o his_o finger_n end_n neither_o be_v there_o cause_n why_o any_o shall_v suspect_v people_n that_o the_o jew_n be_v by_o error_n curiosity_n or_o superstition_n accustom_v thus_o to_o do_v as_o in_o deed_n it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o they_o do_v many_o thing_n very_o disorder_o and_o without_o any_o consideration_n for_o there_o be_v extant_a in_o deuteronomie_n cap._n 6._o as_o touch_v this_o point_n a_o most_o grave_a and_o weighty_a commandment_n give_v by_o god_n himself_o where_o he_o speak_v in_o this_o wise_a and_o these_o word_n which_o i_o command_v thou_o this_o day_n shall_v be_v in_o thine_o heart_n and_o thou_o shall_v rehearse_v they_o continual_o unto_o thy_o child_n &_o shall_v talk_v of_o they_o when_o thou_o tarry_v in_o thine_o house_n &_o as_o thou_o walk_v by_o the_o way_n &_o when_o thou_o lie_v down_o &_o when_o thou_o rise_v up_o and_o thou_o shall_v bind_v they_o for_o a_o sign_n upon_o thine_o hand_n and_o they_o shall_v be_v as_o frontlet_n between_o thine_o eye_n and_o thou_o shall_v write_v they_o upon_o the_o post_n of_o thine_o house_n â–ª_o and_o upon_o thy_o gate_n in_o like_a number_n of_o word_n be_v the_o self_n same_o precept_n repeat_v afresh_o deut._n 11._o now_o for_o this_o cause_n do_v god_o give_v a_o law_n as_o touch_v the_o book_n of_o his_o holy_a oracle_n to_o be_v have_v in_o every_o house_n to_o the_o intent_n that_o all_o father_n of_o family_n may_v daily_o out_o of_o they_o propound_v somewhat_o to_o their_o wife_n child_n servant_n and_o handmaid_n and_o that_o by_o this_o mean_v the_o heavenly_a doctrine_n may_v both_o be_v preserve_v throughout_o all_o age_n without_o corruption_n and_o also_o most_o commodious_o spread_v abroad_o by_o perpetual_a succession_n from_o time_n to_o time_n long_o ago_o very_o before_o moses_n time_n the_o church_n be_v provide_v for_o by_o the_o labour_n and_o industry_n of_o the_o holy_a father_n writing_n who_o dwell_v here_o and_o there_o scatter_v among_o the_o infidel_n never_o cease_v with_o all_o faithful_a diligence_n by_o a_o lively_a sound_a voice_n and_o by_o repetition_n of_o one_o and_o the_o self_n same_o form_n to_o inculke_v and_o beat_v into_o the_o head_n of_o household_n &_o family_n sound_n &_o wholesome_a doctrine_n but_o when_o god_o out_o of_o a_o huge_a and_o numberless_a people_n have_v once_o full_o purpose_v in_o his_o mind_n by_o the_o ministry_n of_o moses_n to_o erect_v and_o establish_v a_o noble_a and_o renown_a church_n and_o common_a weal_n he_o foresee_v that_o it_o may_v easy_o come_v to_o pass_v partly_o by_o reason_n of_o long_a journey_n partly_o by_o reason_n of_o continual_a war_n desolation_n banishement_n and_o other_o grievous_a misfortune_n and_o common_a calamity_n that_o not_o only_o true_a doctrine_n may_v be_v corrupt_v but_o also_o the_o usual_a repetition_n thereof_o fail_v and_o decay_n and_o so_o in_o process_n of_o time_n the_o ancient_a and_o pure_a religion_n be_v utter_o abolish_v out_o of_o the_o memory_n of_o man_n now_o god_n intend_v to_o turn_v away_o and_o in_o time_n to_o prevent_v so_o great_a a_o mischief_n ordain_v that_o the_o whole_a &_o universal_a doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v be_v commit_v to_o write_v book_n which_o may_v faithful_o conserve_v all_o his_o say_n and_o do_n which_o every_o man_n so_o long_o as_o he_o will_v may_v keep_v at_o home_n in_o his_o house_n safe_a and_o sound_a from_o all_o injury_n and_o oftentimes_o write_v they_o out_o to_o the_o use_n and_o
they_o aright_o do_v excel_v and_o surmount_v other_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n further_o opinion_n there_o may_v at_o all_o time_n fall_v out_o very_a many_o affair_n that_o do_v require_v no_o small_a read_n and_o experience_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n how_o will_v thou_o behave_v thyself_o i_o pray_v thou_o if_o there_o shall_v at_o any_o time_n any_o false_a opinion_n either_o by_o philosopher_n or_o by_o wise_a man_n of_o the_o world_n or_o by_o heretic_n begin_v to_o be_v scatter_v among_o the_o people_n shall_v it_o not_o be_v thy_o part_n and_o duty_n stout_o even_o out_o of_o the_o pulpit_n to_o confute_v they_o thou_o hope_v perhaps_o that_o all_o thing_n be_v safe_a enough_o where_o thou_o live_v and_o that_o thou_o need_v not_o great_o to_o fear_v any_o such_o danger_n but_o take_v heed_n thou_o be_v not_o deceive_v it_o be_v a_o wise_a man_n part_n even_o in_o the_o time_n of_o peace_n to_o be_v think_v of_o war_n but_o what_o if_o any_o doubt_n of_o doctrine_n shall_v rise_v in_o a_o private_a man_n who_o shall_v he_o rather_o go_v unto_o than_o unto_o thou_o his_o shepherd_n and_o teacher_n and_o how_o will_v thou_o assuage_v the_o tempest_n lurk_v in_o his_o mind_n and_o cause_v he_o to_o be_v calm_n and_o quiet_a if_o thou_o can_v not_o mitigate_v all_o thing_n with_o the_o prosperous_a wind_n and_o even_o with_o the_o pleasant_a gale_n of_o the_o scripture_n again_o what_o if_o the_o magistrate_n himself_o shall_v at_o any_o time_n reguire_n or_o command_v thou_o that_o thou_o will_v in_o his_o presence_n and_o haply_o before_o a_o honourable_a assembly_n of_o counsellor_n as_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v now_o and_o then_o love_o confer_v or_o dispute_v wih_o some_o man_n fall_v into_o a_o pernicious_a error_n doubtless_o if_o in_o this_o case_n thou_o can_v not_o show_v thyself_o to_o be_v didacticon_n that_o be_v to_o say_v apt_a to_o teach_v and_o be_v able_a to_o stop_v the_o mouth_n of_o the_o gaynespeaker_n thou_o shall_v by_o and_o by_o be_v confound_v to_o thy_o great_a shame_n and_o all_o will_v esteem_v thou_o as_o a_o fool_n and_o idiot_n to_o let_v pass_v in_o the_o mean_a time_n that_o thou_o by_o thy_o want_n of_o knowledge_n privy_o give_v occasion_n of_o think_v that_o he_o which_o be_v suppose_v to_o err_v inasmuch_o as_o thou_o be_v not_o able_a to_o confute_v he_o avouch_v nothing_o but_o the_o truth_n which_o thing_n if_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v not_o only_o he_o alone_o will_v persevere_v in_o his_o opinion_n but_o the_o rest_n also_o will_v begin_v to_o join_v with_o he_o to_o subscribe_v and_o maintain_v the_o same_o moreover_o oft_o time_n the_o state_n of_o church_n do_v require_v sin_n that_o thou_o shall_v open_o inveigh_v against_o the_o sin_n that_o the_o people_n for_o the_o time_n be_v fall_v into_o and_o here_o have_v thou_o need_v of_o heedful_a rebukement_n of_o cunning_a amplification_n of_o crime_n of_o grave_a threaten_n of_o punishment_n of_o sharp_a exhortation_n to_o repentance_n and_o other_o furniture_n of_o like_a sort_n for_o it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v if_o thou_o pour_v forth_o nothing_o else_o but_o thine_o own_o word_n and_o manass_v speech_n that_o thou_o shall_v not_o only_o not_o bring_v they_o to_o amendment_n of_o life_n but_o also_o hard_o persuade_v they_o to_o account_v those_o thing_n for_o vice_n which_o be_v commit_v by_o wicked_a man_n therefore_o to_o restrain_v and_o reduce_v man_n to_o a_o better_a trade_n of_o life_n and_o conversation_n it_o shall_v be_v requisite_a for_o thou_o to_o use_v the_o fire_n hammer_n sword_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n as_o fit_v and_o peculiar_a instrument_n for_o the_o same_o purpose_n the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v sa_o a_o fire_n say_v god_n himself_o in_o jeremy_n chap_n 23._o and_o like_a unto_o a_o hammer_n that_o break_v the_o hard_a rock_n it_o be_v a_o sword_n ephes_n 6._o yea_o it_o be_v of_o great_a force_n to_o enter_v than_o any_o two_o edge_a sword_n as_o witness_v the_o author_n of_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n he_o therefore_o that_o have_v no_o skill_n apt_o to_o leveâ—_n shake_v and_o throw_v these_o weapon_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_o from_o the_o pulpit_n into_o man_n heart_n and_o mind_n in_o vain_a shall_v he_o take_v upon_o he_o to_o subdue_v and_o cut_v off_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o people_n furthermore_o piety_n sometime_o he_o that_o have_v the_o oversight_n of_o the_o church_n be_v invite_v of_o learned_a man_n dwell_v near_o unto_o he_o to_o talk_v and_o confer_v sometime_o also_o it_o fall_v out_o that_o stranger_n come_v far_o off_o or_o ambassador_n or_o other_o do_v visit_v he_o and_o crave_v some_o question_n to_o be_v declare_v of_o he_o or_o require_v his_o counsel_n and_o help_v in_o some_o matter_n perchance_o also_o they_o call_v he_o for_o honour_n sake_n to_o dinner_n or_o supper_n to_o be_v short_a now_o and_o then_o learned_a man_n come_v together_o for_o other_o cause_n mingle_v their_o communication_n with_o sober_a and_o holy_a talk_n as_o touch_v matter_n of_o divinity_n which_o partly_o be_v apply_v to_o the_o understanding_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n partly_o to_o the_o stablish_n of_o the_o waver_a conscience_n now_o if_o in_o these_o and_o such_o like_a meeting_n the_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v carry_v only_o the_o visor_n of_o a_o dumb_a personage_n or_o if_o he_o do_v any_o thing_n shall_v only_o puff_n for_o pain_n sweat_n wax_v pale_a and_o be_v ashamed_a shall_v he_o not_o i_o pray_v thou_o discredit_v the_o whole_a order_n ecclesiastical_a and_o true_o look_v how_o commendable_a a_o thing_n it_o be_v for_o lay_v man_n handsome_o and_o comely_a to_o reason_n of_o divine_a matter_n so_o shameful_a a_o thing_n be_v it_o for_o he_o that_o shall_v be_v a_o teacher_n of_o the_o church_n not_o to_o be_v able_a apt_o to_o common_a of_o any_o thing_n out_o of_o the_o scripture_n what_o shall_v we_o say_v to_o this_o moreover_o that_o in_o many_o church_n the_o order_n be_v deride_v from_o the_o ancient_a institution_n as_o well_o of_o the_o roman_n as_o constantinopolitan_a church_n as_o witness_v cassiodorus_n in_o the_o 9_o book_n and_o 35._o chap._n of_o his_o tripartite_a history_n scripture_n although_o in_o very_a deed_n more_o necessary_a for_o those_o time_n than_o for_o we_o in_o these_o day_n that_o so_o many_o as_o come_v to_o the_o holy_a table_n of_o the_o lord_n do_v confess_v and_o bewail_v their_o sin_n to_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n and_o require_v comfort_n and_o absolution_n by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n they_o that_o can_v not_o sufficient_o try_v and_o examine_v themselves_o according_a to_o the_o precept_n of_o the_o apostle_n have_v need_n to_o pour_v forth_o their_o secret_n into_o the_o bosom_n of_o their_o pastor_n to_o disclose_v their_o ignorance_n and_o so_o long_o to_o be_v instruct_v and_o teach_v till_o all_o doubtfulness_n and_o perturbation_n be_v root_v out_o of_o their_o conscience_n but_o what_o shall_v the_o good_a pastor_n do_v in_o this_o behalf_n when_o of_o the_o good_a question_n and_o demand_n propound_v he_o can_v avouch_v nothing_o more_o certain_o than_o if_o they_o have_v never_o be_v hear_v of_o before_o neither_o doubtless_o be_v we_o in_o hand_n here_o with_o flimflamme_n as_o they_o say_v and_o matter_n of_o no_o value_n but_o even_o with_o such_o as_o upon_o which_o depend_v the_o eternal_a salvation_n or_o destruction_n of_o soul_n so_o far_o forth_o for_o the_o most_o part_n as_o pertain_v to_o this_o point_n lie_v it_o in_o thou_o that_o many_o either_o obtain_v salvation_n or_o else_o utter_o perish_v whereof_o the_o one_o very_o come_v to_o pass_v when_o thou_o be_v able_a by_o the_o help_n of_o god_n word_n to_o fortify_v man_n mind_n the_o other_o when_o thou_o be_v not_o able_a so_o to_o do_v but_o go_v too_o scripture_n to_o who_o i_o pray_v you_o do_v it_o more_o appertain_v to_o lift_v up_o weak_a and_o feeble_a conscience_n to_o sustain_v the_o sick_a and_o oppress_v for_o any_o manner_n of_o cause_n with_o holy_a comfort_n and_o consolation_n than_o to_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n who_o be_v count_v as_o a_o common_a parent_n of_o man_n mind_n and_o as_o saint_n james_n seem_v to_o signify_v a_o physician_n also_o which_o labour_v to_o god_o in_o prayer_n will_v endeavour_v to_o help_v in_o the_o time_n of_o need_n and_o that_o consolation_n be_v proper_a and_o peculiar_a to_o the_o holy_a scripture_n it_o be_v sufficient_o plain_a and_o evident_a by_o the_o testimony_n of_o s._n paul_n to_o the_o roman_n 15._o common_o also_o &_o for_o the_o most_o part_n the_o whole_a multitude_n stand_v in_o need_n of_o comfortable_a sermon_n to_o the_o intent_n it_o may_v persist_v &_o
church_n if_o so_o be_v they_o suffer_v themselves_o to_o be_v overcome_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o read_v of_o lawyer_n physician_n orator_n oh_o how_o true_o and_o grave_o be_v it_o say_v of_o bishop_n leo_n the_o first_o in_o his_o epistle_n 22._o to_o the_o clergy_n and_o people_n of_o constantinople_n if_o ignorance_n seem_v intolerable_a in_o the_o laity_n then_o how_o much_o more_o be_v it_o unworthy_a either_o of_o excuse_n or_o pardon_v in_o those_o that_o have_v the_o oversight_n of_o church_n but_o it_o be_v not_o needful_a that_o we_o shall_v stand_v long_o in_o handle_v of_o this_o cause_n will_v god_o the_o thing_n that_o we_o have_v present_o touch_v may_v be_v well_o lay_v up_o and_o fast_a fix_v in_o memory_n and_o then_o at_o leastwise_o some_o minister_n of_o church_n will_v with_o these_o reason_n which_o we_o have_v allege_v be_v rouse_v up_o and_o endeavour_v to_o become_v not_o only_a reader_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n themselves_o but_o also_o reader_n and_o expounder_n of_o the_o same_o unto_o other_o but_o we_o must_v not_o think_v it_o that_o hereby_o it_o be_v prove_v that_o those_o which_o they_o call_v lay_v man_n be_v by_o the_o like_a reason_n discharge_v and_o may_v pass_v their_o time_n without_o the_o peruse_n and_o understand_v of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n for_o wise_o do_v bishop_n leo_n of_o who_o we_o hear_v even_o now_o join_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o laity_n with_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n determine_v that_o ignorance_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v intolerable_a even_o in_o layemenne_n also_o true_o they_o be_v very_o fond_a that_o do_v thus_o reason_n the_o pastor_n of_o church_n ought_v continual_o to_o be_v occupy_v in_o read_v the_o word_n of_o god_o therefore_o the_o laity_n need_v not_o so_o to_o do_v these_o man_n shall_v have_v remember_v that_o some_o duty_n be_v for_o just_a and_o weighty_a cause_n so_o enjoin_v to_o a_o certain_a kind_n of_o man_n as_o though_o they_o agree_v peculiar_o unto_o they_o alone_o when_o as_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n by_o reason_n they_o be_v direct_v unto_o virtue_n that_o be_v to_o faith_n hope_n and_o charity_n they_o be_v common_a to_o more_o yea_o to_o all_o man_n universal_o without_o exception_n and_o again_o they_o shall_v have_v consider_v that_o for_o just_a cause_n and_o consideration_n certain_a vice_n be_v in_o such_o wise_a forbid_a as_o though_o a_o peculiar_a sort_n of_o man_n only_o ought_v to_o beware_v of_o they_o and_o yet_o in_o very_a deed_n they_o be_v forbid_v indifferent_o to_o all_o but_o by_o example_n produce_v we_o shall_v bring_v to_o pass_v that_o every_o man_n may_v perceive_v it_o to_o be_v true_a that_o we_o say_v the_o five_o commandment_n in_o the_o decalogue_n seem_v to_o prescribe_v only_o unto_o they_o of_o obedience_n who_o natural_a parent_n of_o who_o they_o be_v beget_v be_v alive_a honour_n say_v it_o thy_o faaher_n and_o thy_o mother_n but_o yet_o no_o man_n can_v deny_v that_o in_o the_o self_n same_o precept_n it_o be_v command_v that_o all_o inferior_a person_n general_o shall_v yield_v honour_n and_o obedience_n to_o their_o superior_n for_o why_o all_o must_v obey_v the_o magistrate_n and_o the_o prelate_n of_o church_n again_o ward_n must_v obey_v their_o guardian_n disciple_n their_o tutor_n soldier_n their_o captain_n craftsman_n their_o craftsmayster_n mariner_n their_o pilot_n servant_n and_o handmaiden_n their_o master_n and_o maistress_n and_o so_o forth_o of_o other_o degree_n but_o namely_o and_o especial_o the_o example_n be_v set_v down_o as_o touch_v child_n forasmuch_o as_o in_o they_o it_o be_v convenient_a that_o a_o great_a obedience_n do_v shine_v forth_o than_o in_o any_o other_o in_o the_o seven_o commandment_n god_o forbid_v that_o any_o man_n shall_v break_v wedlock_n or_o commit_v adultery_n some_o man_n perhaps_o therefore_o will_v think_v that_o it_o be_v mean_v only_o of_o they_o that_o be_v marry_v and_o that_o adultery_n and_o not_o fornication_n which_o be_v proper_o of_o they_o that_o be_v single_a and_o unmarried_a be_v condemn_v but_o we_o learn_v partly_o out_o of_o history_n partly_o out_o of_o the_o holy_a say_n of_o the_o scripture_n that_o all_o carnal_a company_n of_o man_n and_o woman_n out_o of_o lawful_a wedlock_n that_o be_v to_o say_v not_o marry_v together_o according_a to_o god_n ordinance_n be_v forbid_v and_o as_o well_o fornication_n as_o adultery_n howsoever_o they_o be_v extinguish_v be_v punish_v of_o god_o alike_o 1._o corinth_n 6_o hebr._n 13._o but_o it_o please_v the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o give_v forth_o this_o commaunment_n in_o such_o a_o form_n of_o word_n for_o that_o whereas_o all_o man_n and_o woman_n ought_v to_o be_v embracer_n of_o cleanness_n and_o chastity_n yet_o ought_v marry_v folk_n inespecial_o to_o be_v give_v thereunto_o hebr._n 13._o in_o like_a manner_n exod._n 28_o 23_o levit._n 19_o it_o be_v command_v that_o such_o judge_n shall_v be_v ordain_v as_o fear_v god_o as_o be_v lover_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o as_o be_v free_a from_o covetousness_n now_o these_o thing_n be_v not_o so_o require_v of_o judge_n as_o though_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o other_o man_n to_o do_v the_o contrary_a without_o controlment_n but_o for_o so_o much_o as_o when_o god_o require_v those_o virtue_n of_o all_o yet_o he_o will_v have_v they_o to_o be_v see_v especial_o in_o judge_n of_o the_o same_o sort_n it_o be_v that_o the_o apostle_n 1._o timoth._n 3_n will_v such_o a_o one_o to_o be_v choose_v bishop_n as_o be_v unreprovable_a the_o husband_n of_o one_o wife_n sober_a not_o give_v to_o overmuch_o wine_n no_o fighter_n now_o shall_v a_o man_n lean_v upon_o these_o word_n cavil_v and_o say_v that_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o other_o which_o be_v no_o bishop_n to_o defile_v themselves_o with_o the_o dregs_n of_o all_o manner_n of_o uncleanness_n to_o be_v carry_v away_o with_o wander_a lust_n to_o be_v disguise_v with_o drink_n and_o surcharge_v with_o wine_n not_o to_o bridle_v their_o fury_n to_o fly_v upon_o other_o with_o their_o fist_n foot_n staff_n knife_n and_o with_o whatsoever_o else_o come_v next_o to_o hand_n no_o but_o we_o must_v understand_v that_o there_o be_v require_v in_o all_o man_n manner_n unreprovable_a chaste_a sober_a discrete_a peaceable_a and_o that_o bishop_n ought_v for_o these_o virtue_n to_o be_v commend_v and_o well_o speak_v of_o before_o other_o after_o the_o same_o manner_n therefore_o must_v we_o interpret_v that_o the_o minister_n of_o church_n ought_v in_o deed_n of_o all_o other_o most_o diligent_o to_o search_v and_o ransack_v the_o book_n of_o holy_a scripture_n as_o to_o who_o duty_n it_o belong_v to_o teach_v the_o whole_a multitude_n but_o not_o so_o that_o the_o laity_n therefore_o be_v to_o be_v restrain_v from_o the_o fellowship_n thereof_o nay_o rather_o that_o the_o precept_n as_o touch_v the_o read_n of_o the_o scripture_n do_v appertain_v to_o they_o also_o and_o that_o they_o ought_v to_o labour_v so_o far_o forth_o in_o accomplish_v of_o it_o 〈◊〉_d they_o may_v both_o more_o easy_o understand_v the_o public_a teacher_n and_o also_o be_v able_a after_o a_o sort_n to_o instruct_v and_o 〈◊〉_d at_o the_o least_o those_o of_o their_o own_o household_n 〈…〉_o â—es_n wherefore_o the_o apostle_n which_o will_v tiâ—â—â—â—â—_n and_o with_o he_o all_o the_o minister_n of_o churches_n 1_n tim_n 4._o to_o apply_v himself_o busy_o to_o the_o read_n of_o the_o scripture_n the_o same_o also_o command_v coloss_n 3._o man_n of_o all_o state_n and_o condition_n to_o teach_v and_o admonish_v one_o another_o through_o the_o word_n of_o christ_n dwell_v in_o they_o and_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n the_o only_a tribe_n of_o levy_v have_v power_n and_o authority_n to_o deal_v with_o the_o priesthood_n with_o the_o sacrifice_n with_o the_o holy_a rite_n and_o to_o interpret_v the_o law_n of_o god_o but_o yet_o to_o read_v the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o likewise_o public_o to_o teach_v they_o when_o opportunity_n serve_v it_o be_v leave_v free_a to_o every_o man_n choice_n and_o unto_o all_o the_o tribe_n indifferent_o to_o do_v it_o for_o why_o that_o there_o have_v come_v forth_o no_o small_a number_n of_o prophet_n even_o out_o of_o other_o tribe_n also_o epiphanius_n declare_v in_o his_o book_n de_fw-fr vitis_fw-la prophetarum_fw-la and_o christ_n be_v descend_v of_o the_o tribe_n of_o juda_n teach_v open_o in_o the_o temple_n and_o in_o the_o sinagogs_n no_o man_n forbid_v he_o paul_n in_o like_a sort_n of_o the_o tribe_n of_o benjamin_n be_v require_v oft_o time_n very_o courteous_o of_o the_o chief_a of_o the_o jew_n to_o speak_v unto_o the_o people_n so_o then_o albeit_o it_o be_v very_o requisite_a and_o necessary_a scripture_n that_o in_o every_o fellowship_n &_o society_n of_o man_n there_o
man_n shall_v so_o be_v strike_v and_o pierce_v through_o that_o whosoever_o will_v be_v count_v in_o the_o number_n of_o christian_n which_o make_v not_o their_o vaunt_n at_o the_o least_o of_o the_o vain_a title_n may_v easy_o understand_v that_o he_o have_v of_o necessity_n to_o apply_v himself_o diligent_o to_o the_o read_n of_o the_o scripture_n which_o thing_n that_o we_o will_v do_v and_o accomplish_v we_o have_v once_o before_o promise_a already_o tell_v i_o therefore_o whosoever_o thou_o be_v church_n and_o haste_v a_o desire_n to_o be_v call_v a_o christian_a i_o mean_v such_o a_o desire_n as_o be_v unfeigned_a ought_v thou_o not_o if_o thou_o covet_v in_o deed_n to_o be_v that_o which_o thou_o fain_o will_v to_o labour_n by_o all_o mean_v possible_a to_o declare_v thyself_o to_o be_v a_o true_a and_o lively_a member_n of_o that_o spiritual_a body_n which_o be_v the_o church_n and_o whereof_o christ_n be_v the_o head_n for_o thus_o we_o read_v of_o all_o man_n of_o what_o age_n sex_n dignity_n or_o condition_n soever_o they_o be_v that_o be_v regenerate_v and_o bear_v again_o in_o christ_n rom._n 12._o we_o be_v many_o be_v one_o body_n in_o christ_n and_o every_o one_o several_o one_o a_o other_o member_n 1._o corinth_n 12._o we_o be_v all_o baptize_v by_o one_o spirit_n into_o one_o body_n whether_o we_o be_v jew_n or_o greek_n or_o bond_n or_o free_a and_o we_o have_v all_o taste_v of_o one_o spirit_n and_o in_o the_o same_o epistle_n and_o ten_o chapter_n we_o that_o be_v many_o be_v one_o bread_n and_o one_o body_n ▪_o for_o we_o be_v all_o partaker_n of_o one_o bread_n ephes_n 4._o one_o body_n and_o one_o spirit_n like_v as_o also_o you_o be_v call_v in_o one_o hope_n of_o your_o call_n one_o lord_n one_o faith_n one_o baptism_n one_o god_o and_o father_n of_o we_o all_o chap._n 5._o we_o be_v member_n of_o his_o body_n which_o be_v the_o church_n therefore_o thou_o canst_v not_o choose_v if_o so_o be_v thou_o will_v be_v count_v better_a than_o a_o ethnic_n jew_n or_o turk_n but_o testify_v by_o some_o mean_n that_o thou_o be_v indeed_o a_o true_a lively_a and_o effectual_a work_a member_n of_o the_o holy_a church_n of_o god_n but_o if_o thou_o canst_v not_o be_v the_o mouth_n or_o the_o eye_n that_o thou_o may_v sustain_v the_o roomth_n of_o a_o bishop_n and_o govern_v the_o church_n by_o command_v &_o ordain_v whatsoever_o thing_n shall_v be_v profitable_a and_o necessary_a if_o thou_o canst_v not_o be_v the_o tongue_n whereby_o thou_o may_v public_o teach_v and_o prophesy_v in_o the_o church_n if_o thou_o canst_v not_o be_v the_o hand_n to_o dispose_v the_o sacrament_n or_o good_n of_o the_o church_n yet_o sure_o thou_o may_v be_v the_o ear_n thou_o may_v be_v the_o finger_n thou_o may_v be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o breast_n and_o to_o make_v a_o end_n thou_o may_v and_o ought_v to_o be_v of_o that_o church_n which_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o very_o many_o minister_n and_o be_v always_o occupy_v about_o many_o thing_n some_o certain_a member_n and_o that_o true_o quick_a lively_a stir_v and_o such_o a_o one_o as_o be_v bewtify_v both_o with_o feel_v and_o move_v only_o take_v heed_n thou_o despair_n not_o and_o account_v thy_o state_n to_o be_v happy_a if_o thou_o may_v have_v place_n in_o the_o church_n but_o even_o among_o the_o base_a and_o weak_a member_n so_o they_o be_v sound_n and_o not_o as_o yet_o for_o their_o rottenness_n to_o be_v cut_v quite_o away_o but_o there_o be_v no_o common_a wealth_n that_o acknowledge_v that_o man_n to_o be_v a_o citizen_n and_o suffer_v he_o to_o enjoy_v the_o common_a privilege_n of_o the_o country_n which_o do_v not_o reverence_v the_o magistrate_n in_o it_o but_o refuse_v to_o obey_v they_o which_o will_v not_o embrace_v the_o upright_a law_n and_o excellent_a statute_n that_o be_v the_o very_a sinew_n of_o common_a weal_n neither_o promise_n that_o he_o will_v live_v after_o they_o neither_o in_o very_a deed_n deserve_v he_o the_o name_n of_o a_o good_a citizen_n that_o care_v for_o none_o of_o those_o thing_n which_o pertain_v either_o to_o the_o dignity_n of_o the_o common_a wealth_n wherein_o he_o live_v or_o to_o his_o duty_n in_o defend_v and_o adorn_v the_o same_o how_o then_o shall_v the_o church_n judge_v thou_o to_o be_v a_o lively_a member_n of_o she_o incase_o thou_o do_v not_o homage_n as_o thou_o be_v bind_v unto_o christ_n her_o head_n incase_o thou_o never_o bethink_v thyself_o to_o understand_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n incase_o she_o perceive_v no_o life_n of_o faith_n no_o motion_n of_o any_o good_a action_n to_o be_v in_o thou_o the_o church_n final_o be_v not_o help_v by_o any_o duty_n or_o diligence_n of_o thou_o for_o why_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o all_o the_o godly_a do_v receive_v life_n and_o move_a from_o christ_n their_o head_n and_o from_o his_o word_n christ_n be_v the_o life_n of_o the_o church_n who_o pour_v abroad_o after_o a_o wonderful_a manner_n his_o vital_a power_n into_o all_o his_o member_n and_o the_o word_n which_o christ_n speak_v be_v spirit_n and_o life_n joh._n 6._o and_o again_o by_o the_o word_n of_o god_o the_o faithful_a do_v live_v deut._n 4._o math._n 4._o be_v any_o of_o you_o so_o fond_a and_o foolish_a as_o to_o think_v himself_o for_o this_o cause_n only_o to_o become_v a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n for_o that_o he_o do_v now_o and_o then_o or_o if_o he_o will_v every_o day_n in_o the_o week_n repair_v corporal_o to_o holy_a assembly_n nay_o it_o behove_v thou_o to_o be_v ingraff_v and_o link_v into_o that_o body_n in_o spirit_n like_v as_o in_o very_a deed_n the_o self_n same_o body_n be_v spiritual_a but_o the_o spirit_n be_v nourish_v and_o sustain_v by_o the_o word_n with_o the_o which_o it_o have_v a_o certain_a anology_n or_o proportion_n now_o therefore_o if_o so_o be_v either_o when_o thou_o be_v present_a in_o ecclesiastical_a assembly_n which_o be_v especial_o ordain_v for_o the_o handle_n of_o god_n word_n or_o when_o thou_o be_v return_v home_o to_o thy_o house_n thou_o intentive_o read_v the_o word_n of_o god_o hear_v it_o and_o lay_v it_o up_o in_o thy_o mind_n then_o believe_v i_o shall_v thou_o be_v repute_v and_o take_v in_o very_a deed_n for_o a_o lively_a member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o true_o this_o be_v a_o very_a small_a matter_n and_o easy_a to_o be_v do_v which_o as_o a_o testimony_n of_o thy_o engraff_n into_o the_o church_n we_o require_v at_o thy_o hand_n for_o if_o thou_o refuse_v once_o to_o ensearche_v the_o scripture_n doubtless_o i_o do_v not_o see_v how_o thou_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o perform_v any_o thing_n worthy_a of_o commendation_n he_o that_o can_v abide_v to_o apply_v himself_o to_o the_o hear_n and_o read_v of_o god_n word_n without_o the_o which_o there_o be_v no_o access_n unto_o faith_n how_o shall_v we_o suppose_v that_o he_o can_v be_v bring_v to_o accomplish_v any_o work_n or_o duty_n of_o love_n flow_v out_o of_o faith_n for_o sooth_o where_o the_o word_n of_o god_o be_v there_o be_v hear_v where_o hear_v be_v there_o be_v faith_n where_o faith_n be_v there_o follow_v of_o necessity_n the_o work_n of_o love_n be_v careful_a therefore_o to_o hear_v read_v and_o understand_v the_o word_n of_o god_o so_o shall_v thou_o have_v faith_n and_o the_o fruit_n of_o faith_n and_o work_n yea_o and_o so_o shall_v all_o thing_n redound_v to_o the_o common_a edify_n and_o increase_n of_o the_o wholebodye_n of_o the_o church_n ephes_n 4._o but_o i_o have_v further_o to_o demand_v of_o thou_o oh_o christian_n for_o i_o do_v as_o willing_o for_o my_o own_o part_n attribute_v this_o glorious_a title_n unto_o thou_o it_o as_o thou_o for_o thy_o part_n art_n willing_a to_o hear_v it_o wherefore_o i_o pray_v thou_o be_v thou_o call_v a_o christian_a but_o because_o thou_o beléue_v in_o jesus_n christ_n and_o haste_v once_o receive_v baptism_n as_o a_o seal_n of_o this_o thy_o faith_n and_o of_o the_o righteousness_n thereof_o but_o how_o will_v thou_o persuade_v we_o that_o thou_o believe_v in_o christ_n if_o so_o be_v thou_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o article_n of_o faith_n if_o thou_o can_v not_o make_v confession_n of_o thy_o faith_n and_o so_o oft_o as_o need_n be_v render_v a_o account_n of_o the_o same_o for_o there_o be_v certain_a general_a precept_n prescribe_v indifferent_o to_o all_o christian_n as_o he_o that_o believe_v shall_v be_v save_v math._n 28._o rom._n 10._o etc_n etc_n he_o that_o confess_v i_o before_o man_n i_o will_v confess_v he_o before_o my_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n math._n 10._o marc._n 8._o and_o luke_n last_o again_o rom._n 10._o with_o the_o heart_n man_n believe_v
mind_n unto_o god_o and_o behold_v wonder_v at_o anwadore_n his_o goodness_n power_n wisdom_n righteousness_n etc_n etc_n and_o true_o how_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v i_o know_v not_o the_o very_a sight_n of_o the_o holy_a book_n themselves_o do_v sudden_o strike_v as_o it_o be_v privy_o a_o which_o thing_n chrisostome_n also_o in_o his_o third_o homily_n of_o lazarus_n testify_v let_v we_o not_o hoard_v up_o gold_n say_v he_o but_o let_v we_o lay_v up_o for_o ourselves_o the_o treasure_n of_o the_o spiritual_a book_n as_o for_o gold_n very_o when_o it_o increase_v most_o they_o do_v it_o most_o of_o all_o endanger_v the_o possessor_n of_o it_o but_o the_o book_n be_v well_o lay_v up_o do_v bring_v much_o profit_n to_o the_o owner_n of_o they_o for_o even_o as_o when_o the_o warlike_a weapon_n of_o a_o king_n be_v bestow_v although_o there_o be_v none_o to_o possess_v they_o yet_o do_v they_o minister_v great_a safety_n &_o preservation_n to_o those_o that_o dwell_v in_o the_o house_n where_o they_o be_v lay_v up_o while_o neither_o thief_n nor_o breaker_n down_o of_o wall_n nor_o any_o other_o malefactor_n dare_v once_o venture_v upon_o that_o house_n so_o wheresoever_o the_o spiritual_a book_n be_v find_v from_o thence_o be_v expel_v all_o the_o power_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o great_a consolation_n offer_v to_o the_o inhabitant_n inasmuch_o as_o even_o the_o very_a behold_v also_o of_o the_o book_n make_v we_o to_o be_v more_o slow_a to_o sin_n for_o whither_o we_o have_v commit_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v forbid_v and_o defile_v ourselves_o yet_o be_v return_v home_o and_o have_v look_v upon_o the_o book_n our_o conscience_n do_v more_o fierce_o condemn_v we_o and_o we_o be_v make_v afraid_a to_o commit_v the_o like_a again_o whither_o we_o have_v continue_v in_o godliness_n of_o life_n by_o the_o book_n we_o become_v more_o strong_a and_o steadfast_a for_o so_o soon_o as_o a_o man_n have_v touch_v the_o gospel_n by_o and_o by_o he_o have_v dispose_v his_o own_o mind_n and_o withdraw_v it_o from_o worldly_a affair_n and_o that_o only_a by_o the_o sight_n thereof_o but_o if_o he_o shall_v add_v diligent_a read_n then_o as_o the_o soul_n that_o be_v occupy_v in_o the_o holy_a mystery_n and_o matter_n of_o god_o so_o be_v he_o purge_v and_o make_v better_a god_o talk_v with_o he_o through_o those_o scripture_n so_o say_v chrisostome_n who_o word_n it_o be_v meet_v we_o shall_v read_v with_o such_o a_o affection_n as_o he_o himself_o utter_v they_o in_o that_o be_v to_o say_v a_o godly_a and_o religious_a and_o void_a of_o all_o superstition_n now_o albeit_o the_o dignity_n of_o the_o holy_a book_n be_v great_a far-awaye_a they_o than_o we_o be_v able_a to_o express_v in_o word_n yet_o there_o be_v no_o cause_n why_o any_o man_n shall_v mistrust_v but_o that_o the_o understanding_n of_o they_o may_v be_v open_v unto_o he_o god_n indeed_o speak_v himself_o in_o they_o but_o the_o same_o god_n do_v wonderful_o apply_v himself_o unto_o we_o and_o even_o willing_o abate_v his_o talk_n to_o our_o capacity_n as_o mother_n know_v how_o to_o stutte_v and_o stammer_v with_o their_o stut_n and_o stammer_a infant_n even_o so_o do_v god_n vouchsafe_v to_o debate_v many_o thing_n with_o we_o after_o the_o manner_n of_o man_n while_o namely_o of_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v common_a amongst_o we_o he_o borrow_v example_n similitude_n sentence_n and_o many_o other_o thing_n more_o profitable_a to_o a_o easy_a and_o plain_a method_n of_o teach_v yea_o and_o moreover_o the_o writer_n that_o first_o of_o all_o compile_v the_o sacred_a book_n who_o he_o will_v have_v to_o be_v as_o his_o usher_n and_o substitute_n to_o teach_v we_o in_o the_o school_n of_o his_o church_n he_o have_v choose_v to_o be_v such_o as_o be_v not_o famous_a with_o any_o notable_a learning_n but_o of_o vile_a and_o base_a condition_n and_o utter_o void_a in_o a_o manner_n of_o all_o knowledge_n and_o erudition_n moses_n who_o a_o number_n do_v suppose_v to_o be_v the_o author_n not_o only_o of_o the_o five_o book_n common_o ascribe_v unto_o he_o but_o aso_z of_o the_o book_n of_o job_n likewise_o david_n and_o amos_n be_v renown_v thoroughe_o feed_v of_o cattle_n peter_n the_o apostle_n and_o john_n the_o gospel_n writer_n live_v by_o the_o trade_n of_o fish_v paul_n exercise_v tentmaking_a luke_n public_o deal_v with_o physic_n albeit_o there_o be_v some_o not_o want_v which_o contend_v that_o he_o be_v also_o a_o painter_n matthew_n play_v the_o publican_n or_o tolgatherer_n looâ—_n what_o crew_n and_o fraternity_n the_o most_o excellent_a writer_n be_v now_o than_o they_o use_v a_o kind_n of_o speech_n that_o be_v agreeable_a to_o themselves_o and_o to_o their_o like_v that_o be_v to_o say_v familiar_a plain_a and_o savour_v every_o where_o of_o such_o a_o certain_a ordinary_a simplicity_n as_o we_o read_v that_o s._n augustine_n and_o certain_a other_o favourer_n of_o eloquence_n dare_v for_o a_o time_n contemn_v the_o holy_a scripture_n by_o reason_n of_o their_o beggarly_a phrase_n creep_v upon_o the_o ground_n and_o destitute_a of_o all_o rhetorical_a beauty_n all_o man_n and_o woman_n therefore_o ought_v assure_o to_o trust_v yea_o even_o the_o homely_a husbandman_n shéepe-bearde_n fisherman_n baker_n brewer_n painter_n carpenter_n fuller_n corrier_n tanner_n and_o all_o inferior_a craftsman_n whatsoever_o also_o wife_n widow_n virgin_n that_o they_o and_o every_o of_o they_o so_o they_o have_v heart_n desirous_a to_o learn_v may_v quick_o profit_v in_o read_v of_o the_o scripture_n and_o oft_o time_n whereas_o something_n escape_v we_o not_o god_o but_o we_o ourselves_o be_v in_o the_o fault_n for_o why_o it_o be_v not_o without_o a_o cause_n that_o he_o complain_v or_o the_o ungodly_a who_o say_v that_o they_o will_v not_o understand_v to_o do_v good_a but_o harden_v their_o heart_n because_o they_o regard_v not_o the_o voice_n of_o the_o lord_n psalm_n 36.95_o moreover_o there_o be_v precept_n extant_a whereby_o we_o be_v command_v to_o crave_v god_n aid_n in_o this_o behalf_n there_o be_v promise_n also_o which_o do_v put_v we_o in_o sure_a and_o certain_a hope_n that_o nothing_o shall_v be_v deny_v unto_o we_o ask_v say_v christ_n and_o it_o shall_v be_v give_v you_o knock_v and_o it_o shall_v be_v open_v unto_o you_o matth._n 7._o luke_n 11._o and_o james_n chap._n 1._o if_o any_o of_o you_o lack_v wisdom_n let_v he_o ask_v of_o he_o that_o give_v it_o namely_o god_o who_o give_v to_o all_o man_n indifferent_o and_o cast_v no_o man_n in_o the_o tooth_n who_o then_o will_v be_v grieve_v when_o he_o come_v to_o read_v the_o holy_a mystery_n to_o use_v first_o some_o short_a form_n of_o prayer_n and_o many_o form_n of_o pray_v may_v be_v gather_v out_o of_o the_o hundred_o and_o nineteen_o psalm_n alone_o to_o the_o intent_n i_o may_v speak_v nothing_o of_o other_o place_n no_o man_n i_o trow_v will_v think_v much_o to_o say_v bless_a art_n thou_o oh_o lord_n teach_v i_o thy_o statute_n or_o open_v thou_o my_o eye_n oh_o lord_n that_o i_o may_v see_v the_o wonderful_a thing_n of_o thy_o law_n or_o oh_o lord_n make_v i_o to_o understand_v the_o way_n of_o thy_o commandment_n or_o teach_v i_o oh_o lord_n the_o way_n of_o thy_o statute_n and_o i_o will_v keep_v thy_o law_n yea_o i_o will_v keep_v it_o with_o my_o whole_a heart_n cause_v i_o to_o walk_v in_o the_o path_n of_o thy_o commandment_n for_o i_o be_o well_o please_v in_o it_o or_o the_o earth_n oh_o lord_n be_v fill_v with_o thy_o goodness_n oh_o lord_n teach_v i_o thy_o statute_n or_o thy_o hand_n oh_o lord_n have_v make_v i_o and_o fashion_v i_o give_v i_o understanding_n that_o i_o may_v learn_v thy_o commandment_n or_o deal_v with_o thy_o servant_n according_a to_o thy_o goodness_n and_o teach_v i_o thy_o statute_n i_o be_o thy_o servant_n give_v i_o understanding_n that_o i_o may_v know_v thy_o testimony_n or_o the_o righteousness_n of_o thy_o judgement_n oh_o lord_n abide_v for_o ever_o give_v i_o understanding_n and_o i_o shall_v live_v etc_n etc_n also_o out_o of_o the_o ps._n 25._o show_v thy_o way_n unto_o i_o oh_o lord_n and_o teach_v i_o thy_o path_n lead_v i_o in_o thy_o truth_n and_o teach_v i_o for_o thou_o be_v the_o god_n of_o my_o salvation_n again_o in_o the_o same_o psalm_n the_o lord_n be_v good_a and_o gracious_a and_o therefore_o will_v he_o teach_v sinner_n in_o the_o way_n he_o will_v direct_v the_o meek_a in_o judgement_n and_o teach_v his_o way_n unto_o the_o lowly_a all_o the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v mercy_n and_o truth_n to_o they_o that_o keep_v his_o covenant_n and_o his_o testimony_n thus_o whosoever_o shall_v pray_v with_o a_o assure_a confidence_n god_n will_v open_v
the_o eye_n of_o their_o mind_n whereby_o they_o may_v judge_v upright_o of_o all_o thing_n further_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o there_o be_v many_o thing_n in_o the_o scripture_n of_o themselves_o very_o plain_a and_o easy_a to_o be_v understand_v likewise_o there_o be_v divers_a and_o sundry_a thing_n here_o and_o there_o intermix_v which_o who_o so_o have_v any_o judgement_n at_o all_o do_v soon_o perceive_v where_o unto_o they_o tend_v moreover_o there_o be_v no_o man_n the_o carry_v not_o about_o with_o he_o a_o expert_a mistress_n of_o many_o secret_a and_o mystical_a matter_n to_o wit_n his_o own_o proper_a conscience_n which_o do_v oft_o time_n privy_o reprove_v find_v fault_n with_o and_o make_v ashamed_a those_o that_o pretend_v that_o they_o understand_v not_o the_o holy_a scripture_n it_o be_v a_o very_a grievous_a offence_n when_o thou_o once_o understand_v the_o truth_n to_o dissemble_v it_o to_o neglect_v not_o exercise_n or_o deny_v it_o and_o god_n be_v wont_a to_o give_v up_o those_o that_o so_o do_v have_v first_o as_o witness_v the_o apostle_n rom._n 1._o blind_v their_o heart_n into_o a_o reprobate_a sense_n furthermore_o be_v shall_v best_o provide_v for_o his_o own_o safety_n that_o do_v not_o labour_n to_o fly_v overmuch_o aloft_o but_o content_v himself_o in_o place_n some_o what_o hard_a and_o difficulty_n to_o draw_v forth_o the_o simple_a and_o sound_n meaning_n which_o the_o word_n themselves_o do_v signify_v without_o any_o coverture_n and_o which_o seem_v not_o to_o be_v strange_a from_o the_o mind_n and_o purpose_n of_o the_o author_n to_o hunt_v after_o subtle_a and_o strange_a interpretation_n to_o muse_v upon_o allegory_n without_o cause_n why_o to_o crake_v continual_o of_o mystical_a meaning_n be_v the_o property_n of_o man_n that_o consider_v not_o sufficient_o the_o snare_n and_o bait_v hook_n of_o the_o devil_n example_n how_o such_o curiosity_n and_o unadvisedness_n have_v be_v punish_v god_n will_v have_v in_o all_o age_n to_o be_v see_v will_v to_o god_n we_o can_v oftentimes_o call_v to_o remembrance_n how_o great_a a_o benefit_n it_o be_v to_o be_v wise_a to_o sobriety_n he_o shall_v not_o a_o little_a be_v help_v to_o the_o collect_v of_o proper_a sentence_n that_o will_v exact_o mark_v where_o the_o beginning_n of_o sermon_n disputation_n and_o narration_n and_o where_o the_o end_n of_o the_o same_o be_v again_o where_o the_o preface_n proposition_n confirmation_n confutation_n conclusion_n be_v distinguish_v in_o they_o let_v he_o observe_v also_o the_o proper_a speech_n and_o phrase_n that_o be_v familiar_a in_o the_o scripture_n let_v he_o search_v diligent_o throughout_o every_o member_n as_o well_o the_o thing_n that_o go_v before_o as_o also_o the_o thing_n that_o follow_v after_o to_o be_v short_a let_v he_o due_o examine_v the_o cause_n and_o circumstance_n of_o every_o point_n if_o after_o all_o these_o thing_n thus_o discuss_v there_o remain_v some_o thing_n yet_o still_o hide_v it_o shall_v be_v expedient_a to_o repeat_v they_o often_o than_o once_o and_o the_o more_o intentive_o to_o consider_v of_o they_o repetition_n common_o cause_v some_o thing_n to_o be_v more_o clear_a and_o lightsome_a and_o that_o which_o be_v hear_v to_o day_n to_o morrow_n or_o next_o day_n become_v plain_a and_o easy_a one_o day_n teach_v a_o other_o and_o one_o night_n certify_v a_o other_o if_o the_o day_n as_o it_o be_v say_v in_o the_o proverb_n take_v away_o the_o sickness_n oft_o he_o body_n then_o undoubted_o take_v in_o away_o also_o ignorance_n which_o be_v a_o malady_n of_o the_o mind_n it_o shall_v be_v very_o profitable_a in_o like_a manner_n to_o confer_v diligent_o the_o plain_n and_o agreeable_a place_n of_o the_o scripture_n with_o that_o place_n touch_v the_o meaning_n whereof_o the_o question_n be_v as_o luke_n report_v act._n 17._o the_o thessalonian_n do_v if_o this_o conference_n be_v in_o vain_a then_o there_o be_v no_o let_v but_o that_o thou_o may_v ask_v the_o advice_n of_o some_o other_o wise_a than_o thyself_o god_o will_v bring_v to_o pass_v that_o when_o thou_o think_v jest_n of_o it_o thou_o shall_v light_o upon_o some_o philip_n that_o may_v resolve_v thou_o of_o thy_o most_o intricate_a doubt_n act._n 8._o he_o that_o want_v altogether_o the_o help_n of_o a_o teacher_n let_v he_o look_v over_o the_o commentary_n or_o annotation_n of_o the_o choice_a interpretre_n that_o he_o can_v come_v by_o last_o of_o all_o benefit_n if_o all_o thy_o labour_n in_o search_v of_o some_o hide_a mystery_n prove_v void_a and_o of_o none_o effect_n and_o that_o man_n industry_n as_o you_o will_v say_v be_v mock_v and_o deceive_v then_o doubt_v thou_o not_o that_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v for_o some_o benefit_n of_o thou_o that_o some_o thing_n which_o thou_o seek_v very_o desirous_o to_o know_v do_v remain_v still_o unknown_a unto_o thou_o it_o be_v profitable_a that_o thou_o shall_v know_v by_o this_o mean_n the_o infirmity_n and_o ignorance_n as_o well_o of_o all_o mankind_n as_o also_o of_o thyself_o hereby_o also_o thou_o learn_v how_o high_o thou_o ought_v to_o esteem_v the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n who_o enlighten_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o godly_a thou_o understand_v again_o that_o the_o same_o gift_n be_v give_v to_o every_o man_n according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o faith._n further_n thou_o haste_v in_o admiration_n eaylâ—_n more_o and_o more_o the_o majesty_n of_o the_o thing_n comprehend_v in_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n and_o there_o be_v in_o very_a deed_n some_o thing_n in_o they_o which_o ought_v of_o we_o rather_o to_o be_v believe_v than_o perceive_v like_v as_o also_o certain_a point_n be_v only_o touch_v by_o the_o way_n but_o not_o full_o declare_v neither_o true_o be_v it_o to_o be_v doubt_v but_o that_o many_o before_o thou_o have_v stick_v and_o stammer_v at_o the_o selfsame_o place_n yea_o even_o the_o diligent_a of_o all_o other_o do_v oftentimes_o stumble_v and_o be_v deceive_v therefore_o the_o want_n of_o knowledge_n of_o some_o certain_a place_n do_v by_o no_o mean_n give_v thou_o occasion_n to_o cast_v away_o the_o holy_a book_n but_o rather_o thou_o must_v so_o much_o the_o more_o diligent_o and_o constant_o go_v forward_o to_o peruse_v they_o as_o thou_o be_v sure_a and_o certain_a that_o there_o will_v be_v always_o a_o number_n of_o thing_n which_o thou_o shall_v never_o be_v able_a to_o attain_v unto_o and_o that_o a_o christian_a man_n ought_v all_o his_o life_n long_o to_o be_v a_o scholar_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n but_o to_o declare_v how_o and_o by_o what_o mean_v thou_o may_v reap_v a_o spiritual_a profit_n read_v by_o the_o thing_n which_o thou_o read_v and_o indifferent_o at_o the_o jest_n understand_v although_o a_o man_n may_v stand_v long_o upon_o this_o matter_n yet_o i_o will_v say_v so_o much_o in_o effect_n as_o i_o trust_v for_o this_o present_a time_n shall_v be_v sufficient_a first_o all_o man_n ought_v to_o be_v persuade_v of_o this_o that_o the_o effectualness_n of_o prayer_n pour_v from_o the_o heart_n unto_o god_o be_v very_o great_a for_o which_o cause_n we_o have_v a_o little_a before_o admonish_v that_o so_o oft_o as_o we_o come_v to_o the_o read_v of_o the_o holy_a book_n we_o shall_v in_o any_o case_n to_o begin_v withal_o use_v some_o form_n of_o prayer_n second_o there_o lie_v hide_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_o itself_o when_o it_o be_v read_v or_o hear_v or_o when_o it_o be_v due_o examine_v a_o certain_a wonderful_a power_n of_o the_o spirit_n hearer_n where_o with_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n be_v strike_v and_o after_o a_o unspeakable_a manner_n move_v &_o draw_v which_o thing_n doubtless_o we_o will_v by_o no_o mean_n affirm_v except_o it_o be_v find_v express_v in_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n and_o except_v further_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o many_o good_a man_n have_v at_o all_o time_n prove_v the_o self_n same_o thing_n to_o be_v true_a harken_v i_o pray_v you_o what_o the_o author_n of_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n chap._n 4._o say_v the_o word_n of_o god_o be_v lively_a and_o mighty_a in_o operation_n and_o sharp_a than_o any_o two_o edge_a sword_n and_o enter_v through_o even_o to_o the_o divide_v asunder_o of_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o spirit_n and_o of_o the_o joint_n and_o the_o marrow_n and_o be_v a_o discerner_n of_o the_o thought_n and_o of_o the_o intent_n of_o the_o heart_n neither_o be_v there_o any_o creature_n which_o be_v not_o manifest_a in_o his_o sight_n but_o all_o thing_n be_v naked_a and_o open_a to_o his_o eye_n with_o who_o we_o have_v to_o do_v in_o which_o place_n there_o be_v two_o thing_n of_o we_o to_o be_v observe_v the_o one_o that_o unto_o the_o word_n of_o god_o be_v ascribe_v life_n and_o other_o effect_n of_o very_o great_a
thrust_v forth_o one_o while_o very_o such_o as_o be_v approve_v in_o opinion_n for_o their_o notable_a wisdom_n another_o while_n swinish_a hater_n and_o contemner_n of_o all_o holy_a thing_n a_o other_o while_o hypocrite_n puff_v up_o with_o a_o vain_a show_n of_o holiness_n and_o therefore_o marvelous_a fit_a instrument_n to_o beguile_v the_o simple_a by_o who_o paint_a and_o smooth_a persuasion_n and_o by_o other_o crafty_a conveyance_n the_o unwary_a sort_n may_v be_v bring_v to_o the_o neglect_v and_o open_a hatred_n of_o the_o scripture_n but_o it_o be_v your_o part_n with_o these_o reason_n and_o instruction_n whereof_o you_o have_v hitherto_o hear_v many_o and_o sundry_a as_o well_o out_o of_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n themselves_o as_o also_o out_o of_o the_o most_o godly_a and_o learned_a father_n to_o shore_n up_o and_o fortify_v your_o mind_n and_o even_o in_o spite_n of_o all_o the_o rabblement_n of_o the_o wicked_a who_o satan_n subborn_v and_o arm_v daily_o against_o we_o to_o stir_v they_o up_o to_o the_o love_n and_o study_v of_o god_n word_n let_v we_o consider_v that_o christ_n do_v even_o now_o also_o without_o cease_v preach_v unto_o we_o which_o in_o very_a deed_n he_o do_v not_o after_o one_o way_n or_o manner_n and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o precept_n of_o he_o often_o urge_v and_o repeat_v than_o this_o wherein_o he_o say_v to_o all_o christian_n search_v the_o scripture_n for_o they_o be_v they_o that_o testify_v of_o i_o this_o voice_n of_o christ_n for_o so_o much_o as_o his_o heavenly_a father_n have_v so_o command_v let_v we_o hear_v with_o patient_a and_o stay_v mind_n and_o with_o all_o reverence_n and_o submission_n obey_v it_o final_o in_o comparison_n of_o that_o let_v we_o refuse_v and_o abandon_v all_o man_n pesuasion_n precept_n counsel_n flattery_n threaten_n curse_n and_o torment_n whatsoever_o for_o he_o that_o make_v none_o account_v of_o this_o voice_n of_o christ_n there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o that_o his_o name_n shall_v oneday_n be_v utter_o scrape_v and_o race_v out_o of_o the_o register_n of_o christian_n that_o be_v to_o say_v out_o of_o the_o book_n of_o life_n which_o god_o himself_o have_v write_v and_o that_o at_o the_o last_o judgement_n of_o the_o great_a day_n he_o shall_v hear_v from_o the_o mouth_n of_o the_o same_o christ_n a_o far_a other_o manner_n of_o voice_n namely_o a_o heavy_a and_o a_o horrible_a voice_n as_o touch_v the_o suffering_n and_o endure_v of_o everlasting_a fire_n the_o end_n ps._n 14.2.3.4_o psal_n 53.4_o ps._n 5.10_o and_o 140.2_o and_o 10.7_o prou._n 1.16_o jam._n 4.8_o 1._o cor._n 1.20_o &_o 2.14_o jere._n 9.26_o deut._n 10.16_o eccles_n 11.33_o genes_n 6.5.11.12_o and_o 8.21_o psal._n 36.1_o esa._n 59.3.7_o rom._n 3.10.11.12.13.14.15.16.17.18_o psalm_n 51.5_o eph._n 2.1.3.5_o rom._n 3.9_o galath_n 3_o 22_o rom._n 2.22_o psalm_n 116.11_o rom._n 3.4_o esa._n 59.5_o deut._n 27_o galath_n 3.10_o coloss_n 2.13_o ephes_n 2.12_o rom._n 6.23_o 1_o pet._n 5.8_o ephes_n 6.12_o ephes_n 2.2_o genes_n 3.1_o 1._o pet._n 5.8_o apocal._n 12_o 3_o joan._n 3.3_o ephes_n 4.23_o 1._o pet._n 2.2_o hebr._n 13.14_o â—_o corinth_n 1.10_o 11._o time._n 3.16_o rom._n 15.4_o man_n be_v create_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_o and_o of_o his_o will._n ovid._n metamorph_n lib._n 1._o of_o the_o former_a book_n which_o be_v the_o whole_a world_n of_o the_o late_a book_n to_o wit_n the_o holy_a scripture_n we_o must_v give_v more_o attendance_n to_o the_o latter_a book_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n than_o to_o the_o former_a and_o that_o for_o three_o cause_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d iii_o it_o behove_v all_o man_n to_o read_v the_o word_n of_o god_o in_o that_o it_o be_v grant_v to_o they_o only_o to_o speak_v and_o understand_v they_o must_v especial_o read_v the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o profess_v themselves_o to_o be_v christian_n it_o be_v a_o shame_n for_o a_o christian_n to_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o thing_n that_o christ_n command_v the_o jew_n read_v the_o scripture_n painful_o god_n command_v in_o the_o law_n the_o book_n of_o holy_a scripture_n to_o be_v read_v and_o peruse_v of_o all_o people_n for_o what_o cause_n and_o consideration_n god_n will_v have_v his_o do_n and_o say_n commit_v to_o writing_n the_o father_n albeit_o they_o be_v without_o book_n yet_o teach_v they_o most_o diligent_o the_o doctrine_n of_o religion_n then_o what_o ought_v not_o we_o to_o do_v that_o have_v book_n grant_v unto_o us._n the_o commandment_n of_o god_n as_o touch_v the_o read_n of_o the_o scripture_n belong_v not_o only_o to_o jew_n christ_n also_o command_v we_o to_o read_v the_o scripture_n in_o the_o apostle_n time_n all_o the_o godly_a read_v the_o scripture_n most_o diligent_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v give_v to_o the_o believer_n to_o the_o intent_n they_o may_v learn_v and_o understand_v the_o scripture_n â–ª_o even_o the_o gentile_n also_o in_o these_o day_n use_v to_o read_v the_o scripture_n albeit_o they_o be_v extance_n only_o in_o the_o greek_a tongue_n in_o these_o day_n we_o have_v the_o holy_a scripture_n extant_a in_o all_o tongue_n and_o after_o the_o apostle_n time_n all_o the_o godly_a search_v continual_o the_o scripture_n exhortation_n of_o the_o holy_a father_n as_o touch_v the_o read_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n private_o in_o house_n origen_n eusebius_n â—â—misenus_fw-la john_n chrisostome_n augustine_n ambrose_n now_o a_o day_n some_o bishop_n there_o be_v that_o forbid_v the_o holy_a scripture_n to_o be_v read_v the_o neglect_v of_o the_o scripture_n of_o this_o time_n if_o it_o be_v compare_v with_o the_o diligence_n of_o the_o ancient_a people_n be_v very_o shameful_a and_o ignominious_a the_o lâ—â—ie_n be_v profit_v 〈◊〉_d dâ—â—g_v of_o the_o scripture_n that_o they_o be_v able_a also_o to_o teach_v other_o lay_v man_n skilful_a of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n in_o time_n paste_v teach_v in_o church_n and_o be_v choose_v to_o thâ—_z goveâ—â—emet_v of_o the_o same_o the_o barbarus_fw-la enemy_n of_o christian_a religion_n ought_v soon_o by_o orderly_a teach_v of_o sound_n doctrine_n than_o by_o force_n of_o arm_n be_v win_v and_o unite_v unto_o us._n the_o very_a consideration_n of_o the_o time_n present_a do_v require_v that_o all_o shall_v apply_v themselves_o to_o the_o study_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n the_o answer_n it_o behove_v the_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n to_o be_v exercise_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n above_o all_o other_o the_o ecclesiastical_a ministry_n consist_v not_o in_o song_n or_o cold_a ceremony_n the_o minister_n ignorant_a of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n can_v not_o convince_v false_a opinion_n the_o minister_n that_o be_v without_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o scripture_n can_v not_o wise_o reprove_v sin_n the_o minister_n that_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o scripture_n can_v not_o confer_v with_o other_o of_o godliness_n and_o piety_n the_o minister_n can_v give_v no_o counsel_n to_o careful_a conscience_n that_o be_v not_o conversant_a in_o the_o scripture_n the_o minister_n that_o he_o may_v be_v able_a to_o comfort_v the_o afflict_a must_v of_o necessity_n have_v experience_n in_o the_o scripture_n to_o have_v the_o name_n of_o the_o ministry_n without_o the_o substance_n of_o it_o be_v a_o absurd_a thing_n they_o that_o can_v not_o perform_v the_o office_n of_o the_o ministry_n must_v not_o reap_v the_o fruit_n of_o it_o the_o minister_n that_o be_v unskilful_a of_o the_o scripture_n ought_v to_o be_v remove_v from_o their_o place_n they_o do_v most_o grievous_o offend_v which_o be_v place_v in_o the_o ecclesiastical_a ministry_n do_v still_o neglect_v the_o holy_a scripture_n albeit_o the_o study_n of_o the_o holy_a scripeurs_fw-fr do_v especial_o become_v the_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n yet_o may_v not_o the_o laity_n therefore_o reject_v it_o there_o be_v no_o degree_n of_o man_n among_o christian_n to_o who_o it_o pertain_v not_o exact_o to_o learn_v the_o holy_a scripture_n king_n and_o prince_n must_v read_v also_o the_o holy_a scripture_n all_o â—_z and_o noble_a man_n must_v diligent_o read_v the_o holy_a scripture_n judge_n consul_n praetor_n must_v exercise_v themselves_o in_o read_v the_o holy_a bible_n neither_o must_v soldier_n neglect_v to_o read_v the_o holy_a scripture_n lawyers_n ougâ—â—_n to_o be_v familiar_o acquaint_v with_o the_o holi_fw-la scripture_n physician_n also_o must_v devout_o trauâ—ile_v in_o the_o scripture_n it_o be_v expedient_a that_o merchant_n man_n also_o and_o artificer_n shall_v profit_v in_o the_o scripture_n to_o husbandman_n also_o be_v commend_v the_o read_n and_o hear_v of_o the_o scripture_n it_o be_v expedient_a that_o boy_n and_o mother_n also_o be_v instruct_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n there_o be_v certain_a duty_n common_a to_o all_o christian_n which_o it_o be_v needful_a for_o they_o to_o learn_v out_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n all_o christian_n must_v endeavour_n to_o show_v themselves_o to_o be_v true_a member_n of_o the_o church_n every_o christian_n ought_v to_o be_v ready_a to_o render_v a_o reason_n of_o his_o faith_n to_o every_o one_o that_o ask_v it_o every_o christian_n ought_v to_o foresee_v &_o provide_v that_o he_o err_v not_o or_o be_v not_o deceive_v in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o religion_n there_o be_v no_o christian_a that_o stand_v not_o in_o need_n to_o be_v reprove_v for_o his_o sin_n and_o oft_o time_n to_o be_v admonish_v no_o christian_a can_v be_v without_o comfort_n the_o conclusion_n the_o willing_a mind_n easy_o find_v opportunity_n to_o do_v well_o it_o be_v false_a to_o say_v that_o in_o read_v there_o be_v labour_n and_o grief_n how_o we_o may_v get_v leisure_n &_o opportunity_n to_o read_v the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o a_o time_n certain_a aught_o to_o be_v give_v to_o the_o read_n of_o the_o scripture_n what_o time_n most_o apt_a to_o the_o read_n of_o the_o scripture_n how_o much_o every_o day_n to_o be_v read_v the_o canonical_a book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n let_v a_o man_n read_v daily_o certain_a chapter_n but_o without_o superstition_n the_o depth_n and_o majesty_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n ought_v not_o to_o fray_v we_o from_o the_o read_n of_o they_o no_o man_n ought_v to_o complain_v that_o he_o can_v understand_v the_o scripture_n &_o how_o we_o may_v attain_v to_o the_o understanding_n of_o they_o some_o thing_n we_o be_v ignorant_a of_o to_o cure_v benefit_n how_o thou_o may_v gather_v spiritual_a profit_n by_o the_o thing_n that_o thou_o read_v the_o power_n of_o the_o spirit_n work_v privie_o through_o the_o word_n be_v the_o heart_n of_o the_o reader_n and_o hearer_n certain_a chapter_n or_o fountain_n to_o which_o all_o thing_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n ought_v to_o be_v refer_v teach_v reprove_v instruct_v correct_v comfort_v conclusion_n imprint_v at_o london_n by_o henry_n bynneman_n 1579._o
by_o what_o mean_v a_o man_n may_v pick_v out_o leisure_n and_o opportunity_n to_o read_v the_o holy_a scripture_n very_o i_o dare_v avouch_v that_o there_o be_v no_o kind_n of_o call_v so_o unwrap_v or_o entangle_v in_o business_n wherein_o may_v not_o be_v have_v a_o convenient_a respite_n to_o think_v upon_o and_o accomplish_v something_o for_o the_o safety_n and_o preservation_n of_o the_o soul_n among_o the_o office_n that_o be_v full_a of_o difficulty_n and_o danger_n may_v be_v reckon_v the_o kingdom_n the_o state_n of_o consul_n lieutenant_n judge_n the_o government_n of_o army_n and_o if_o there_o be_v any_o honourable_a function_n beside_o in_o a_o great_a and_o mighty_a commonwealth_n and_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o a_o great_a number_n of_o man_n be_v in_o the_o say_v several_a authority_n very_o famous_a and_o renown_a even_o in_o the_o troublesome_a state_n of_o thing_n and_o in_o the_o great_a flood_n of_o care_n and_o perplexity_n give_v notwithstanding_o a_o certain_a portion_n of_o time_n to_o read_v write_a meditation_n &_o consultation_n of_o &_o concern_v difficult_a &_o weighty_a affair_n example_n of_o the_o gentile_n if_o any_o be_v delight_v to_o hear_v he_o shall_v not_o need_v to_o seek_v far_o for_o they_o it_o be_v report_v that_o alexander_n the_o great_a even_o while_o he_o be_v busy_a in_o lead_v about_o his_o royal_a army_n of_o soldier_n use_v to_o read_v and_o write_v diverse_a and_o sundry_a thing_n and_o that_o if_o at_o any_o time_n he_o be_v to_o join_v battle_n with_o his_o enemy_n he_o will_v snatch_v up_o some_o one_o book_n or_o other_o for_o his_o purpose_n and_o read_v whereby_o as_o by_o a_o counsellor_n and_o encourager_n he_o may_v be_v make_v both_o more_o apt_a and_o also_o more_o courageous_a to_o fight_v octavius_n the_o emperor_n if_o we_o may_v credit_n suetonius_n in_o a_o most_o cruel_a battle_n hold_v at_o mutina_n a_o city_n of_o gallia_n read_v write_v and_o declaym_v daily_o in_o the_o night_n time_n be_v awake_v out_o of_o sleep_n he_o use_v a_o reader_n of_o commentary_n and_o when_o he_o be_v at_o home_n he_o will_v recite_v certain_a write_n of_o his_o own_o to_o his_o familiar_a friend_n as_o unto_o hearer_n in_o the_o school_n julius_n caesar_n as_o he_o happy_o fight_v sundry_a battle_n so_o put_v he_o the_o same_o himself_o as_o elegant_o in_o write_v and_o that_o even_o in_o his_o tent_n in_o the_o noise_n of_o trumpet_n and_o in_o the_o confuse_a clatter_v of_o armour_n and_o weapon_n so_o far_o forth_o that_o a_o man_n may_v doubt_n by_o whether_o of_o the_o two_o thing_n he_o attain_v great_a commendation_n and_o before_o this_o man_n cato_n censorius_n famous_a for_o his_o skill_n both_o of_o war_n and_o peace_n read_v very_o much_o year_n learn_v the_o greek_a tongue_n perfect_o when_o he_o be_v a_o old_a man_n as_o afterward_o his_o graundchilde_n who_o they_o call_v vticensis_n wait_v in_o the_o court_n till_o the_o senate_n shall_v come_v together_o have_v his_o book_n with_o he_o jest_n any_o part_n of_o the_o hourglass_n shall_v come_v forth_o without_o fruit_n plinius_n veronensis_n albeit_o he_o be_v entangle_v with_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o court_n of_o the_o law_n and_o of_o warfare_n yet_o do_v he_o never_o refrain_v himself_o from_o philosophy_n and_o from_o the_o insearch_n of_o hide_a thing_n but_o whither_o he_o be_v take_v his_o meat_n or_o journey_v or_o do_v of_o some_o other_o thing_n he_o either_o read_v or_o hear_v one_o read_v write_v or_o indite_v to_o one_o writing_n for_o he_o but_o omit_v these_o gentile_n in_o who_o no_o doubt_n shine_v forth_o a_o wonderful_a industry_n and_o care_n of_o good_a learning_n i_o think_v it_o much_o better_a for_o godly_a and_o christian_a people_n to_o have_v the_o example_n of_o godly_a man_n expound_v that_o even_o for_o the_o likeness_n of_o religion_n and_o doctrine_n which_o they_o follow_v the_o mind_n of_o all_o may_v become_v the_o more_o prompt_a and_o ready_a to_o imitate_v and_o embrace_v the_o same_o set_a before_o your_o eye_n therefore_o the_o noble_a king_n david_n a_o man_n strong_a and_o valiant_a both_o in_o war_n and_o in_o peace_n and_o right_a notable_a in_o battle_n and_o conquest_n for_o he_o whether_o it_o be_v so_o that_o fly_v the_o tyrant_n saul_n he_o one_o while_n wander_v in_o obscure_a and_o forbear_v place_n another_o while_n sustain_v woeful_a banishment_n with_o the_o king_n of_o geth_n or_o whither_o that_o he_o fear_v himself_o by_o reason_n of_o his_o son_n absalon_n kindle_v the_o coaâ—s_v of_o civil_a war_n against_o he_o or_o whither_o he_o shall_v stand_v to_o the_o trial_n of_o battle_n abroad_o with_o his_o enemy_n or_o whither_o he_o rule_v at_o home_o the_o reins_n of_o his_o kingdom_n be_v not_o only_o bend_v and_o incline_v continual_o to_o the_o law_n which_o he_o have_v always_o about_o with_o he_o by_o god_n commadement_n but_o also_o in_o those_o most_o doleful_a &_o troublesome_a turmoil_n he_o write_v and_o sing_v manifold_a psalm_n his_o son_n and_o successor_n solomon_n so_o administer_v his_o kingdom_n that_o he_o bring_v the_o same_o to_o a_o peaceable_a and_o most_o flourish_a estate_n he_o be_v in_o his_o own_o person_n the_o chief_a dealer_n in_o matter_n of_o justice_n and_o equity_n the_o ambassador_n which_o king_n and_o prince_n send_v unto_o he_o as_o desirous_a to_o hear_v his_o wisdom_n and_o counsel_n he_o most_o wise_o answer_v he_o build_v moreover_o most_o gorgeous_o and_o sumptuous_o but_o in_o all_o these_o thing_n he_o omit_v nothing_o as_o touch_v his_o manner_n of_o read_v and_o peruse_v the_o holy_a law_n yea_o he_o put_v forth_o parable_n and_o verse_n or_o sentence_n in_o great_a number_n he_o dispute_v most_o sharp_o as_o touch_v summum_fw-la bonum_fw-la or_o the_o chief_a end_n of_o man_n as_o be_v to_o be_v see_v in_o ecclesiastes_n as_o touch_v tree_n and_o plant_n of_o beast_n of_o bird_n of_o worm_n of_o fish_n 1._o king._n 4._o and_o what_o think_v you_o do_v ezechias_n and_o josias_n during_o the_o time_n of_o their_o several_a governement_n in_o the_o study_n and_o meditation_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n who_o to_o the_o reform_v and_o preserve_v as_o well_o of_o the_o church_n as_o of_o the_o common_a wealth_n use_v the_o counsel_n and_o advice_n of_o the_o wise_a of_o the_o priest_n and_o prophet_n that_o age_n be_v ennoble_v by_o the_o excellent_a prophet_n esaias_n hoseas_n micheas_n jeremias_n leave_v no_o way_n unsoughte_v nor_o no_o stone_n unturned_a but_o yet_o before_o a_o great_a number_n of_o other_o that_o honourable_a eunuch_n for_o his_o wonderful_a diligence_n deserve_v commendation_n who_o be_v the_o chief_a treasurer_n to_o a_o queen_n and_o always_o occupy_v in_o give_v and_o take_v in_o cast_v and_o reca_v of_o account_n which_o be_v a_o most_o troublesome_a office_n especial_o in_o a_o woman_n court_n and_o yet_o not_o so_o much_o as_o even_o then_o whâ—â—_n he_o journey_v by_o the_o way_n and_o ride_v in_o a_o chariot_n suffer_v he_o the_o time_n to_o pass_v away_o without_o the_o read_n of_o the_o scripture_n of_o who_o forbecause_o we_o have_v speak_v before_o now_o it_o shall_v be_v sufficient_a brief_o to_o have_v repeat_v thus_o much_o notable_a be_v the_o praise_n of_o cornelius_n the_o centurion_n captain_n of_o the_o italian_a band_n who_o luke_n act_n 10._o set_v forth_o to_o have_v be_v a_o lover_n of_o sincere_a religion_n &_o to_o have_v fear_v and_o worship_v god_o with_o all_o his_o house_n which_o himself_o not_o doubt_n have_v so_o teach_v &_o inform_v to_o have_v give_v willing_o alm_n to_o the_o poor_a and_o final_o with_o fervent_a prayer_n to_o have_v call_v upon_o god_n without_o cease_v but_o that_o he_o be_v such_o a_o one_o without_o the_o read_n and_o understand_v of_o the_o scripture_n we_o can_v by_o no_o mean_n suspect_v see_v that_o even_a peter_n in_o his_o oration_n which_o he_o make_v to_o those_o that_o be_v assemble_v in_o the_o house_n of_o cornelius_n say_v plain_o that_o the_o word_n which_o the_o lord_n send_v to_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n preach_v peace_n by_o jesus_n christ_n the_o lord_n of_o all_o man_n be_v know_v unto_o they_o thou_o sé_v therefore_o that_o king_n and_o prince_n courtier_n lieutenant_n captain_n who_o no_o man_n can_v deny_v to_o be_v evermore_o distract_v into_o many_o and_o diverse_a affair_n even_o at_o what_o time_n they_o be_v in_o a_o manner_n oppress_v with_o the_o weight_n and_o burden_n of_o business_n can_v find_v some_o opportunity_n to_o the_o read_v and_o meditation_n of_o god_n word_n how_o can_v then_o the_o cold_a and_o far_o fetch_v reason_n take_v place_n that_o a_o number_n do_v allege_v in_o great_a plenty_n and_o i_o wot_v not_o without_o what_o colour_a pretence_n to_o excuse_v
and_o defend_v their_o own_o slothfulness_n withal_o to_o be_v short_a there_o be_v no_o state_n or_o condition_n no_o function_n or_o office_n no_o labour_n no_o cause_n incident_a either_o to_o public_a or_o private_a deal_n that_o can_v minister_v any_o excuse_n sufficient_o lawful_a to_o discharge_v any_o christian_n from_o the_o read_n and_o peruse_v of_o the_o sacred_a book_n now_o sith_o it_o be_v evident_a scripture_n that_o no_o excuse_n or_o allegation_n whatsoever_o will_v go_v for_o payment_n it_o be_v meet_v and_o requisite_a that_o every_o man_n do_v so_o distribute_v the_o time_n &_o hour_n of_o his_o action_n as_o of_o they_o he_o may_v give_v some_o daily_o to_o the_o search_n of_o the_o write_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n and_o in_o good_a sooth_n it_o be_v not_o likely_a that_o the_o thing_n shall_v otherwise_o be_v well_o do_v that_o be_v not_o accomplish_v in_o order_n and_o in_o a_o time_n appoint_v some_o thing_n be_v fit_a to_o be_v do_v in_o the_o night_n othersome_a in_o the_o dawn_n othersome_a in_o the_o morning_n othersome_a at_o noontide_n othersome_a in_o the_o evening_n and_o look_v how_o much_o more_o laborious_a the_o business_n be_v or_o labour_n busy_a which_o it_o behove_v to_o deal_v withal_o so_o much_o more_o due_o shall_v thou_o sever_v and_o divide_v they_o and_o endeavour_v to_o execute_v every_o thing_n in_o certain_a hour_n and_o peculiar_a distance_n of_o time_n and_o season_n we_o read_v in_o ammianus_n marcellinus_n that_o alexander_n the_o great_a julius_n caesar_n and_o the_o emperor_n julianus_n who_o labour_v to_o imitate_v those_o former_a in_o many_o thing_n divide_v the_o night_n while_o they_o lie_v in_o their_o camp_n into_o three_o part_n whereof_o the_o first_o part_n they_o give_v unto_o rest_n and_o to_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o nature_n the_o second_o to_o the_o do_v of_o thing_n needful_a the_o third_o to_o the_o study_n of_o good_a art_n and_o science_n but_o why_o do_v we_o not_o rather_o turn_v our_o consideration_n unto_o christian_a prince_n therefore_o to_o speak_v of_o alfred_n king_n of_o britain_n who_o first_o of_o all_o found_v the_o famous_a school_n at_o oxford_n we_o find_v it_o record_v that_o he_o in_o like_a manner_n dissever_v all_o the_o time_n into_o three_o portion_n and_o give_v eight_o hour_n daily_o to_o the_o mind_n to_o read_v pray_v and_o meditate_v in_o other_o eight_o to_o the_o administration_n of_o his_o kingdom_n and_o the_o residue_n to_o bodily_a exercise_n not_o much_o unlike_a unto_o this_o man_n be_v charles_n the_o great_a who_o use_v to_o feed_v his_o mind_n with_o good_a study_n and_o meditation_n but_o especial_o with_o the_o read_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o which_o not_o a_o few_o have_v report_v of_o he_o in_o the_o time_n of_o dinner_n and_o supper_n he_o will_v always_o have_v some_o thing_n recite_v as_o well_o out_o of_o the_o sacred_a bible_n as_o also_o out_o of_o the_o work_n of_o saint_n augustine_n it_o be_v plain_a and_o evident_a that_o many_o other_o prince_n more_o beside_o have_v in_o learning_n the_o duty_n of_o godliness_n out_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n tread_v the_o self_n same_o path_n why_o do_v not_o every_o one_o of_o we_o therefore_o after_o the_o example_n of_o so_o worthy_a man_n especial_o of_o alfred_n and_o charles_n king_n that_o deserve_v exceed_o well_o of_o christian_a religion_n take_v counsel_n by_o &_o by_o as_o touch_v ordinary_a hour_n to_o be_v appoint_v to_o the_o read_n of_o the_o holy_a bible_n i_o do_v very_o willing_o and_o even_o purposely_o rehearse_v the_o fact_n of_o king_n and_o prince_n in_o this_o cause_n partly_o to_o the_o intent_n the_o king_n prince_n and_o noble_a man_n of_o our_o day_n may_v perceive_v that_o they_o also_o be_v provoke_v by_o the_o authority_n &_o princely_a precedent_n of_o their_o ancestor_n to_o the_o like_a diligence_n in_o learning_n the_o doctrine_n of_o religion_n and_o partly_o to_o the_o end_n that_o inferior_a person_n who_o be_v by_o no_o mean_n like_o prince_n surcharge_v and_o in_o a_o manner_n overwhelm_v with_o the_o wave_n of_o manifold_a and_o difficult_a affair_n may_v understand_v and_o will_v they_o will_v they_o confess_v that_o they_o have_v no_o manner_n of_o excuse_n leave_v unto_o they_o whereby_o they_o may_v pretend_v that_o they_o want_v fit_a time_n and_o oportuniti_fw-la to_o read_v the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v it_o therefore_o conclude_v and_o determine_v that_o it_o be_v no_o hard_a matter_n for_o any_o christian_a to_o find_v fit_a place_n time_n and_o hour_n to_o peruse_v over_o the_o book_n of_o the_o heavenly_a philosophy_n that_o at_o leastwise_o consider_v what_o other_o excellent_a man_n have_v do_v in_o the_o same_o matter_n will_v not_o stick_v valiant_o to_o prick_v forward_o himself_o to_o the_o do_v of_o the_o like_a therefore_o now_o as_o one_o let_v his_o suit_n fall_v scripture_n and_o acknowledge_v himself_o to_o be_v vanquish_v and_o overcome_v some_o man_n demand_v and_o will_v glad_o learn_v of_o we_o what_o time_n or_o what_o hour_n we_o deem_v convenient_a to_o be_v choose_v to_o the_o read_n of_o the_o sacred_a book_n i_o will_v in_o few_o word_n declare_v what_o i_o think_v to_o be_v most_o expedient_a the_o choice_n ought_v especial_o to_o be_v in_o thyself_o to_o determine_v of_o the_o hour_n according_a to_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o function_n which_o thine_o office_n or_o kind_n of_o life_n do_v require_v doubtless_o god_o himself_o seem_v great_o to_o commend_v the_o time_n of_o the_o morning_n and_o evening_n when_o a_o deut._n 6._o and_o 11._o he_o say_v you_o shall_v lay_v up_o my_o word_n in_o your_o heart_n and_o in_o your_o soul_n and_o you_o shall_v teach_v they_o your_o child_n speak_v of_o they_o when_o thou_o sit_v in_o thine_o house_n when_o thou_o walk_v by_o the_o way_n when_o thou_o lie_v down_o and_o when_o thou_o rise_v up_o thou_o see_v the_o time_n to_o be_v point_v out_o which_o every_o man_n even_o without_o any_o informer_n shall_v effectual_o in_o deed_n consecrate_v unto_o prayer_n thanksgiving_n and_o meditation_n of_o thing_n spiritual_a and_o heavenly_a albeit_o where_o the_o lord_n add_v that_o when_o a_o man_n sit_v at_o home_n in_o his_o house_n and_o when_o he_o travel_v by_o the_o way_n he_o ought_v to_o talk_v of_o his_o word_n he_o do_v not_o obscure_o signify_v that_o not_o only_o in_o the_o morning_n and_o evening_n but_o also_o at_o all_o other_o time_n and_o hour_n whatsoever_o man_n may_v profitable_o be_v excuse_v in_o learning_n the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o that_o it_o must_v be_v leafte_o free_a to_o every_o man_n to_o appoint_v certain_a hour_n accord_v to_o the_o trade_n of_o his_o life_n and_o variety_n of_o business_n which_o happen_v therein_o that_o which_o be_v of_o itself_o wholesome_a and_o fruitful_a at_o what_o time_n soever_o it_o be_v do_v be_v well_o do_v let_v thy_o chief_a study_n and_o care_n be_v this_o that_o what_o hour_n thou_o haste_v once_o appoint_v thou_o may_v without_o interruption_n and_o manger_n all_o let_v and_o impediment_n perpetual_o observe_v for_o why_o all_o thing_n that_o shall_v once_o in_o this_o behalf_n reverent_o be_v decree_v be_v as_o by_o a_o inviolable_a law_n and_o yet_o without_o superstition_n to_o be_v retain_v and_o keep_v and_o if_o at_o any_o time_n peradventure_o some_o odd_a business_n and_o unlooked_a for_o do_v fall_v out_o to_o the_o contrary_a than_o it_o behove_v thou_o very_o careful_o to_o provide_v that_o at_o some_o other_o time_n the_o want_n be_v supply_v but_o again_o read_v thou_o ask_v how_o much_o shall_v i_o read_v every_o day_n in_o what_o space_n shall_v i_o once_o peruse_v over_o all_o the_o whole_a bible_n i_o answer_v that_o as_o i_o understand_v it_o be_v a_o ordinary_a matter_n with_o our_o ancestor_n once_o in_o a_o year_n space_n to_o have_v the_o bible_n from_o the_o begin_n to_o the_o end_n public_o recite_v in_o holy_a assembly_n to_o the_o common_a instruction_n of_o all_o that_o be_v present_a for_o to_o the_o intent_n that_o thing_n may_v the_o more_o commodious_o be_v do_v they_o admit_v in_o those_o day_n no_o other_o psalm_n or_o book_n of_o scripture_n in_o the_o say_a assembly_n but_o such_o as_o be_v canonical_a as_o we_o have_v show_v in_o the_o former_a book_n and_o that_o the_o same_o most_o commendable_a usage_n be_v keep_v and_o continue_v many_o age_n follow_v it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v doubt_v for_o even_o gratian_n himself_o distinct_a 15._o declare_v what_o book_n of_o holy_a scripture_n be_v wont_a to_o be_v read_v in_o his_o time_n that_o be_v to_o say_v about_o the_o year_n after_o christ_n birth_n .1160_o signify_v that_o there_o be_v make_v only_o a_o very_a small_a change_n from_o septuagesima_fw-la say_v he_o