3 But whereas they cavil that we ⟨image 16⟩rest upon the letter that slayeth, herein they suffer punishment for despising of the Scripture,1 while they betray their ignorance, not well understanding the words, neither doeth it disagree with that which of late is said, that the word it self is not much assured us, unless it be confirmed us by the testimony of the holy Ghost:2 For as we see that we are void of all light of trueth or the spirit of God: so we are not ignorant that the word is an instrument wherewith the Lord distributeth to the faithful the light of his spirit. Where Paul sayeth, that the letter fleeth, there he contendeth against the false Apostles, which commending the law without Christ, did call away the people from the benefit of the new Testament, wherein the Lord doeth covenant that he will grave his law within the bowels of the faithful, and write it in their hearts: the letter therefore is dead, and the law of the Lord killeth the readers thereof, when it is severed from the grace of Christ, and, not touching the hart, only soundeth in the ears. But ⟨p. 12⟩if it be effectually printed in our hearts by the holy Ghost, if it present Christ unto us, then is it the word of life converting souls,3 and giving wisdom to little ones.
3 But whereas they cauill that we ⟨image 16⟩rest vpon the letter that sleyeth, herein they suffer punishment for dispising of the Scripture,1 while they betray their ignoraunce, not wel vnderstanding the wordes, neither doeth it disagrée with that which of late is said, that the word it selfe is not much assured vs, vnlesse it be confirmed vs by the testimony of the holie Ghost:2 For as we sée that wée are voide of all light of trueth or the spirite of God: so wée are not ignoraunt that the worde is an instrument wherwith the Lord distributeth to the faithfull the light of his spirit. Where Paul sayeth, that the letter sleeth, there hée contendeth against the false Apostles, which commending the lawe without Christ, did call away the people from the benifite of the newe Testament, wherein the Lorde doeth couenant that he wil graue his lawe within the bowels of the faithfull, and write it in their hartes: the letter therfore is dead, and the lawe of the Lorde killeth the readers therof, when it is seuered from the grace of Christ, and, not touching the hart, only soundeth in the eares. But ⟨p. 12⟩if it be effectually printed in our hartes by ye holy Ghost, if it present Christ vnto vs, thē is it the word of life cōuerting soules,3 and giuing wisedome to little ones.
- 12. Cor. 3.6.
- 2Luc. •4.27. 1. Thes. 5.19.
- 32. Cor. 38.
