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…

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.

Now to consider further, we sée how the Prophet beginneth with this word (Remembrance,) whereof it appeareth that he had learned before out of Gods word, Gods nature towardes penitent sinners to forgiue them: and towards wilfull, obstinate, and impenitent sinners to be a iust iudge to punish them. Here is the ignorance of all people condemned, that neuer learne to know Gods word in sicknes, nor in health: but when they be troubled or sicke, they send for such as they thinke and fansie haue learned and doe remember how Gods word doth comfort in aduersitie. 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 sicke: then all that euer the sicke man heareth of an ignorant comforter or counseller, is as clene voyd of consolation or counsell, as though he had neuer sent for a counseller or comforter. For no man can haue more of another, then the other hath himselfe, which is neither knowledge, counsell, nor consolation out of Gods word. Therefore he is not able to giue knowledge, consolation, nor comfort to another.

If the Prophet Asaph, had been as the most part of people now a days be, that fall sick and into many kinds of trouble, & had sent for an ignorant fool, (which commonly is called a ghostly father,) he had been in as good taking as these wretched souls be, that being comfortless seek comfort where none is to be had, seek knowledge where none is, & seek