SECT. 13.
THE 13. Objection is laid downe in this manner: The Lords forbids Iudah going to Gilgal, or to Bethel. Hos. 4. 15. 16.
Treat: The meaning is plaine, & the words expresse, that they were not to goe thither to offend and play the Harlot, in joy∣ning to idols, Ver. 15. 16. This I grant‡ 1.1 is to be done in no place. But deny any such thing to be done in the hearing by mee pleaded for; The Scriptures every where forbid the going, or comming to such places, or persons, as in, by, or with them some evill is done, to wit, for the doing of any thing evill, or unlawfull in, or with them. This is all a primo ad ultimum.
Ansvv. When Children find any hard words in their Lesson; They wilbe sure to passe them quickly over; Hoping thereby to save themselves. I must needs say, the Treat. met here with a strong argument; And therefore it is no wonder, though he shew us a Scholers tricke: To wit, leave that speedilie, the which hee knew not how to answer* 1.2. If the Reader doe not see the weak∣nes of it (to say the best of it) I will set before him a glasse to vew it in.
For 1. He makes himselfe here an Opposite to science. 2. To Conscience. 3. To the truth; And lastly, to himselfe. And first of the first: They vvere nor (sayth he) to goe thither to offend. J professe in all good conscience, my desire is not to pervert his meaning, but to understand it; But how to understand it, J know