A path way i[n]to the holy scripture

even so by more strong argument / the books of the new Testament / which be so much more perfect than the old: how much more clearly they show Christ than the old. Also likewise as Jesus did take no witness of men but only of the father: likewise the word of god is not to be judged nor may not receive his authority o• men / but only of god. Therefore they that will judge it •he very▪ And ⟨image 51⟩christs. For in that they take upon them to judge it / they exalt them self above it. He that exalteth him self above the word of god / exalteth him self above god and the power of god. And therefore these matters of decrees and other traditions / as offerings / tithes / and other inventions / with the which •aynt Augustine in his time said That they were more charged and •den than the Jews. But now •hat would he say if he saw the abominable sort of laws and con •ttucyons the which they have ma•e to take the simple people in their •ettes? And yet they colour them •ith holy scripture / wresting and writhing it at their own pleasure •s it appeareth by their decrees. For •heir laws had never be received •ad they not cloaked them with ho•e scripture. Now / because the ⟨image 52⟩faithful Christen in looking on the scripture should not know what holy horisons they be / & the effect of their laws / as be these that priests should not have wives by lawful marriage / & that men should not eat of such meat as god sendeth with giving thanks: clean contrary to the commandment of god. And to the end that these things should not be known / they have forbidden that any of the lay people dispute of the faith / either openly or privily. For when one reasoneth with them of such matters / he must hold his peace / or say as they say / or else they will curse him and make an heretic on him: saying / that he speaketh more than becometh him / or to him belongeth. And one of that sort checked me ones / because I read the Bible / having not read before my Philosophy / with the