As a man can by no means read, except he be first taught the letters of the cross row, even so it is unpossible for a man, of whatsoever degree or name he be of, to understand aught in the scripture unto the honour of God and health of his soul, except he be first taught the profession of his baptism, and have it also written in his heart.
Which profession standeth in two things: the one is the knowledge of the law of God, understanding it spiritually, as Christ expoundeth it Matt. 5, 6 and 7 chapters, so that the root and life of all laws is this: Love thy Lord God with all thine heart, all thy soul, and all thy might; and thy neighbour as thyself, for his sake: and that love only is the fulfilling of the law (as Paul teacheth); and that whatsoever deed we do, and not of that love, that same fulfilleth no law in the sight of God.
And the other is, to know the promises of mercy which are in our Saviour Christ; understanding them also purely without all leaven, after the mercifullest fashion as scripture expresseth them, and after all fatherly love and kindness of God, unto all that repent toward the law, and believe in Christ.
