Certain comfortable expositions of the constant martyr of Christ, M. John Hooper, Bishop of…Certeine comfortable expositions of the constant martyr of Christ, M. Iohn Hooper, Bishop of…

In this verse and in the next following it, be contained three kind of words: remembrance, meditation and speech. By the first we learn that it profiteth nothing to read or hear Gods word, except we remember it, & bear it away with us. By the next we learn that it availeth us not, to learn and bear ⟨image 115⟩the word of God in remembrance, except by meditation and thinking upon it, we understand what it meaneth. And by the third we learn, that neither the remembrance it, nor the understanding thereof profiteth, except we teach and instruct other in the same, of whom we have charge, if we may.

In this verse and in the next folowing it, be conteyned thrée kinde of words: remembrance, meditation and speach. By the first we learne that it profiteth nothing to read or heare Gods word, except we remember it, & beare it away with vs. By the next we learne that it auaileth vs not, to learne and beare ⟨image 115⟩the word of God in remembrance, except by meditation and thinking vppon it, we vnderstand what it meaneth. And by the third we learne, that neither the remembrance it, nor the vnderstanding thereof profiteth, except we teache and instruct other in the same, of whom we haue charge, if we may.

Now to consider further, we see how the Prophet beginneth with this word (Remembrance,) whereof it appeareth that he had learned before out of Gods word, Gods nature towards penitent sinners to forgive them: and towards wilful, obstinate, and impenitent sinners to be a just judge to punish them. Here is the ignorance of all people condemned, that never learn to know Gods word in sickness, nor in health: but when they be troubled or sick, they send for such as they think and fancy have learned and do remember how Gods word doth comfort in adversity. And then, if he that is sent for be not learned in Gods word, he cannot remember how God is wont to comfort the troubled or sick: then all that ever the sick man heareth of an ignorant comforter or counsellor, is as clean void of consolation or counsel, as though he had never sent for a counsellor or comforter. For no man can have more of another, then the other hath himself, which is neither knowledge, counsel, nor consolation out of Gods word. Therefore he is not able to give knowledge, consolation, nor comfort to another.