That we should diligently read the Texts of the Bible, and stay
ourselves upon it as the only true Foundation.

Whoso layeth a good foundation, and is a substantial Text-man, that
is, he that is well grounded in the Text, the same hath whereupon he
surely may keep footing, and runneth not lightly into error. And
truly, said Luther, the same is most necessary for a Divine; for
with the texts and grounds of the Holy Scriptures I dazzled,
astonished, and overcame all my adversaries; for they approach
dreamingly and lazily; they teach and write according to their
natural sense, reason, and understanding, and they think the Holy
Scripture is a slight and a simple thing; like the Pharisee, who
thought a business soon done when our Saviour Christ said unto him,
"Do that, and thou shalt live." The sectaries and seducing spirits
understand nothing in the Scriptures; but with their fickle,
inconstant, and uncertain books which they have devised, they run
themselves into error.

Whoso is armed with the Text, the same is a right pastor; and my
best advice and counsel is, said Luther, that we draw water out of
the true fountain, that is, diligently to read in the Bible. He is
a learned Divine that is well grounded in the Text; for one text and
sentence out of the Bible is of far more esteem and value than many
writings and glosses, which neither are strong, sound, nor armour of
proof. As when I have that text before me of St. Paul, where he
saith, "All the creatures of God are good, if they be received with
thanksgiving." This text showeth that what God hath made is good.
Now, eating, drinking, marrying, etc., are of God's making,
therefore they are good. But the glosses of the Primitive Fathers
are against this text, for St. Bernard, Basil, Dominicus,