Certain Sermons or Homilies (First Book of Homilies)

¹Unto a Christian man, there can be nothing, either more necessary, or profitable, then the knowledge of holy scripture: forasmuch, as in it, is contained Gods true word, setting forth his glory, and also mans duty. And there is no truth,² nor doctrine, necessary for our justification, and everlasting salvation, but that is, (or may be) drawn out of that fountain, and well of truth.³ Therefore, as many as be desirous, to enter into the right and perfect way unto God, must apply their minds, to know holy scripture, without the which, they can neither sufficiently know God and his will,⁴ neither their office and duty. And as drink is pleasant to them, that be dry, and meat to them that be hungry: so is the reading, hearing, searching▪ and studying of holy scripture, to them that be desirous to know God, or them selves, and to do his will.⁵ And their stomachs only, do loth and abhor the heavenly knowledge, and food of Gods word, that be so drowned in worldly vanities that they neither savour God, nor any Godliness: For that is the cause why they desire such vanities, rather then the true knowledge of God.⁶ As they that are sick of an ague, whatsoever they eat or drink (though it be never so pleasant) yet it is as bitter to them, as wormwood, not for the bitterness of the meat, but for the corrupt and bitter humour, that is in their own tongue and mouth: even so is the ⟨image 4⟩sweetness of Gods word, bitter, not of it self, but only unto them that have their minds corrupted with long custom of sin, and love of this world. Therefore,⁷ forsaking the corrupt judgement of carnal men, which care not, but for their carcass, let us reverently hear & read holy scriptures, which is the food of the soul. Let us diligently search for the well of life, in the books of the new and old Testament, and not run to the stinking puddles of mens traditions, devised by mans imagination, for our justification and salvation.