Page 58
CHAP. IIII.
Concerning the lack of subiects wisdome and know∣ledge, the fourth cause of their vndutifulnesse.
THe fourth way by which sathan seeketh to abuse subiects and to inueigle and en∣tise them to abuse and make lesse ac∣count and reckoning of higher powers and magistracie then they should, and to grow more vntowardly and contemp∣tuous in their bounden duties then be∣commeth dutifull subiects for to be, * 1.1 is lack of wisdome and knowledge, for through the one, that is through lack of wis∣dome, subiects become altogether vnable to iudge and dis∣cerne of princes pretenses and pollicies, & so both: ashly & foolishly take vpon them like Sus Mincruam to censure, controull and condemne the actions and proceedings of their princes, through the other, that is lack of knowledge, they be come vndutifull and disobodient to the lawes, ordi∣nances, iniunctions, acts, and statutes of the king and his ma∣gistrates and officers vnder whom they liue. Kings, Princes and gouernours do vse oftentimes for diuerse causes to dis∣guise their purposes with pretenses and colours of other matters, * 1.2 so that the end of their drifts and secret purposes are not right seene into nor vnderstood at the first, this to be lawfull the word of God doth not deny.
To make construction of intents, and as yet vnknowen meanings of princes in any ill part falleth not for subiects, but rather to interpret them in the best maner, and take them in the best part. Euery creature is not acquainted with the mind of his creator, nor euery subiect of his go∣uernour: so the Lord saith Iob, giueth not account of all his matters, and so in some respect it may likewise be said of princes, that they giue not accounts of their matters to all their subiects. * 1.3 King Salomon pretended to deuide the