A commentarie vpon the most diuine Epistle of S. Paul to the Romanes Containing for matter, the degeneration of our nature by Adams Fall; and the restauration thereof, by the grace of Christ. Together with the perfection of faith, and the imbecillity of workes, in the cause of iustification of elect sinners before God. For forme and maner of handling, it hath the coherence and method, the summe and scope, the interpretations & doctrines the reasons and vses, of most texts. All which, are set downe very familiarly and compendiously, in forme of a dialogue, betweene Tlmotheus [sic] and Silas, by Thomas Wilson, one of the six preachers in the cathedrall church of Canterbury.

DIAL. XIII.

Verses 19. 20.

And perswadest thy selfe, that thou art a guide of the blind, a light to them that are in darknes: a teacher of the ignorant, an informer of them that lacke discretion.

Tim.

WHat was the drift of these words?

Sil.

To shew the pride and vanity of the* 1.1 Iew, euen of their chiefe Doctours, despi∣sing all other people, as babes and idiots, in comparison of themselues, yet they had no sparkle of sound knowledge in them, but were as bladders full of winde.

Tim.

What especiall things were learned out of this Text?

Sil.

That ignorant and vnlearned persons, are likened to the blinde, and to such as be in darknesse: for whether by (blinde) we vnderstand Gentiles or vulgar Iewes, the vnskilfull be meant here.

Tim.

Whereof did this put vs in minde?

Sil.

Of sundry and very profitable lessons: first, that ig∣norant persons see not their way to heauen, as blinde men see not their earthly way. Secondly, as blinde persons are soon misse-led from the way, so are ignorant persons soon seduced. Thirdly, as we pitty the blinde, so we are to pit∣ty the ignorant. Fourthly, as wee are ready to leade the blinde in their way, so we must doe towards the ignorant. Fiftly, as they in darknesse and blindnesle are in danger of taking bodily harme, so are the ignorant in danger of spi∣rituall hurt, by falling into sinne and errours. Sixtly, as the blind haue no comfort of the Sunne, so neither the igno∣rant haue any comfort of the word whiles they remayne such.

Tim.

What other things were learned out of this text?

Sil.

That teachers are called guides and lights, and should bee able to enlighten others; though these meant here by our Apostle, were nothing lesse then such in truth, whatsoeuer boasts they made, delighting to be called ma∣sters,

Rabbi, Teachers, Scribes.

Tim.

Whereof did this admonish vs?

Sil.

Of diuers good instructions, as first that there is a necessity of teachers, as of guides in our iourney to heauē. Secondly, that teachers ought to haue more skill in Gods matters then the hearers; as a guide ought more perfectly to know the way, then the party guided. Thirdly, that hea∣rers ought to loue and recompence their teachers, as tra∣uailers doe their guides. Fourthly, that great is the losse of skilfull guides and lights, it is as the falling of the light and starres from heauen. Lastly, that great is their vn∣thankfulnes, which do abuse their teachers, as if one shold abuse his good guide.

Tim.

What other things were noted out of this text?

Sil.

The nature of pride, in this that it is said, thouper∣swadest thy selfe, noting to vs that they were such in opini∣on, rather than trueth; being puffed vp with the vaine per∣swasion of great knowledge.

Tim.

What is that that pride works in men?

Sil.

It causeth them to be puffed vp through the know∣ledge of Gods word, & to perswade themselues, to be what indeed they are not. From whence proceedeth these two things, first a contempt of others which haue lesse know∣ledge. Secondly, an enuying of such as are praysed aboue them, for greater knowledge.

Tim.

What remedy for this disease?

Sil.

First, to consider that our knowledge is the guift of God. Secondly, to thinke that the more knowledge wee haue, the more we are indebted to GOD, and haue the greater account to make. Thirdly, that others excell vs as farre both in knowledge and other guifts, as we can excell our inferiours in knowledge. Fourthly, that our know∣ledge is ioyned with great ignorance, and with many o∣ther wants and deformities. Fistly, that the abuse of our knowledge by pride, is oftentimes grieuously punished of God, with heresie and prophane life. Sixtly, that when our knowledge is through loue applyed to profite others, it is

much encreased through Gods blessing.

Tim.

What is meant by the forme of knowledge?

Silas.

An appearance and shew of knowledge, with an opinion, that they could infuse that knowledge into others.

Notes

• * 1.1

  7. Priuiledge: The chayre of Moses, and an heap of titles.