Sanctuarium profanis occlusum, sive, de ss. bibliorum prohibitione in lingua vulgari seu vernacula tractatus (1662) - Page 20

A decorative woodcut headpiece features scrolling acanthus leaves and two figures.

THE SANCTUARY

CLOSED TO THE PROFANE,

THE HOLY BIBLE COMMONLY

PROHIBITED.

PART ONE.

Wherein it is shown that Holy Scripture is obscure,

difficult, and dangerous with respect to the unlearned and the weak; and that

its Reading should not be promiscuously permitted to every

kind of person.

A decorative drop cap 'S' begins the text.Scripture, since it is nothing other than the word of GOD enunciated in time, has a great conformity and similarity with the divine Word, which is the speech of the same GOD emanating in eternity. The Father is the principle in both: and just as He begat the Word before the generation of the ages; so, as the Apostle teaches in Hebrews 1, He is the same who spoke to the Patriarchs and Prophets in the course of time. The Word is the image of the Father, and the character of His substance; Scripture is a tablet representing the greatness of GOD, and a native expression of His perfections. The Word is light and truth in its principle, and its two special effects are to declare and to instruct: of Holy Scripture, St. Paul testifies in 2 Timothy 3 that it is useful for teaching, and Tertullian, in book 1 On the Resurrection of the Flesh, that it is a light illuminating man. But nevertheless, the Word is a certain hidden truth, and a light in accession, which cannot be perceived except through the effusion