A14227:468
An answer to a challenge madeAn ansvver to a challenge made
An answer to a challenge made by a Jesuit in Ireland Wherein the judgement of antiquity in the points questioned is truly delivered, and the novelty of the now romish doctrine plainly discovered. By James Usher Bishop of Meath.An ansvver to a challenge made by a Iesuite in Ireland Wherein the iudgement of antiquity in the points questioned is truely delivered, and the noveltie of the now romish doctrine plainly discovered. By Iames Vssher Bishop of Meath.
Dublin: printed by the Society of Stationers and Eliot's Court Press, 1624Dublin: printed by the Societie of Stationers and Eliot's Court Press, 1624
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
For therefore do men go to the King by Tribunes or officers, because the King is but a man, and knoweth not to whom he may commit the state of the commonwealth. But to procure the favour of God, from whom nothing is hid (for he knoweth the merits or works of all men) we need no spokes-man, but a devout mind. For wheresoever such a one shall speak unto him, he will answer him.
For therefore doe men goe to the King by Tribunes or officers, because the King is but a man, and knoweth not to whom he may commit the state of the commonwealth. But to procure the favour of God, from whom nothing is hid (for he knoweth the merits or workes of all men) we need no spokes-man, but a devoute minde. For wheresoever such a one shall speake unto him, he will answer him.
But of all others, S. Chrysostom is most plentiful in setting out the difference of the access which we may have to God & to the great ones in this world. kWhen ⟨p. 415⟩we have suit unto men (saith he in one place) we have need of cost and money, and servile adulation, and much going up and down and great ado. For it falleth out oftentimes that we cannot go straight unto the Lords themselves and present our gift unto them and speak with them; but it is necessary for us first to procure the favour of their ministers and stewards and officers, both with paying and praying and using all other means unto them, and then by their mediation to obtain our request. But with God it is not thus. For there is no need of intercessors for the petitioners: neither is he so ready to give a gracious answer being entreated by others, as by our own selves praying unto him. lWhen thou hast need to sue unto men, (saith he in another place) thou art forced first to deal with door-keepers, and to entreat parasites and flatterers, and to go a long way. But with God there is no such matter: without an intercessor he is entreated, without money without cost he yieldeth unto thy prayer. It sufficeth only that thou cry in thine heart, and bring tears with thee; and entering in straightway thou mayest draw him unto thee.