The Depths of the Bible.

The wise of the world, and the great ones, said Luther, understand
not God's Word; but God hath revealed it to the poor contemned
simple people, as our Saviour Christ witnesseth, where he saith, "I
thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast
hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them
unto babes," etc.; from whence St. Gregory says well and rightly,
that the Holy Scripture is like a water, wherein an "elephant
swimmeth, but a little sheep goeth therein upon his feet."

I remember a Fable, said Luther, which fitteth very well for these
times, and for this purpose, discoursed of before. A Lion, said he,
making a great feast, invited all the beasts thereunto, and with
them also he invited swine. Now, as all manner and sorts of
dainties were brought and set before the guests, the swine demanded
if Brewer's grains might be had for them. Even so, in these days it
is with our Epicures; we Preachers bring and set before them in the
Church the most dainty and costly dishes, as Everlasting Salvation,
Remission of Sins, and God's Grace; but they, like swine, cast up
their snouts, and root after Dollars, Crowns, and Ducats; and,
indeed, said Luther, "what should a cow do with nutmegs?" She would
rather content herself with oat-straw.

When we have God's Word pure and clear, then we are secure, we are
negligent and regard it not, we think it will always so remain; we
do not watch and pray against the devil, who is ready to tear the
Word out of our hearts. It goeth with us as with travellers, who,
so long as they are on the right way, are secure and careless; but
when they go astray into woods or by-ways, then they are careful