The answer.
Saint Hierome did not vse this spéech to fraie any from rea∣ding anie part of the scriptures, and inquiring the sense of them. For he himselfe séeketh to satisfie the questions propounded, and that to a woman whom he scarcely knew. That this epistle néed∣eth interpretation, and especially the illumination of that spirit, which caused it to be written, it hath common with the rest of the Scriptures. For the naturall man vnderstandeth not the things of the spirit of God, which are spiritually discerned. We would be loath to please our selues with any priuate interpre∣tation, not receiued nor allowed of the true church of God. But you would gladly haue this whole Epistle out of the way, and especially this chapter, bicause it setteth out plainely Gods frée election, and choise without respect or regard had to works, ei∣ther aforegoing, or following. Which sense though contrarie to the sense of your church, Saint Hierome holdeth as the sense of the church then. And therefore he concludeth that question, that Hedibia should for euer hold her peace from inquiring anie cau∣ses of Gods will, why he is mercifull to one, & seuere to another.