B04689:41
The foundation of Christian religion, gathered into six principles. And it is to be…
The foundation of Christian religion, gathered into six principles. And it is to be learned of ignorant people, that they may be fit to hear sermons with profit, and to receive the Lords Supper with comfort.The foundation of Christian religion, gathered into six principles. And it is to be learned of ignorant people, that they may be fit to heare sermons with profit, and to receive the Lords Supper with comfort.
London: printed by John Field, 1660
To the reader: TO ALL IGNORANT PEOPLE That desire to be INSTRUCTED.
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.
32. That ye have so strong a Faith in Christ, that no evil company can hurt you.
These and such like sayings, what argue they, but your gross ignorance? now where ⟨image 4⟩ignorance reigneth, there reigns sin, and where sin reigns, there the devil rules; and where he rules, men are in a damnable case. Ye will reply unto me thus: That ye are not so bad as I would make you. If need be, you can say the Creed, the Lords Prayer, and the ten Commandments: and therefore ye will be of Gods belief, say all men what they will, and you defy the Devil from your hearts.
These and such like sayings, what argue they, but your gross ignorance? now where ⟨image 4⟩ignorance raigneth, there raigns sin, and where sin raigns, there the devil rules; and where he rules, men are in a damnable case. Ye will reply unto me thus: That ye are not so bad as I would make you. If need be, you can say the Creed, the Lords Prayer, and the ten Commandments: and therefore ye will be of Gods belief, say all men what they will, and you defie the Devil from your hearts.
I answer again, That it is not sufficient to say all these without book, unless ye can understand the meaning of the words, and be able to make a right use of the Commandments, of the Creed, of the Lords Prayer, by applying them inwardly to your hearts and consciences, and outwardly to your lives and conversations. This is the very point in which ye fail.