Page:History of the German people at the close of the Middle Ages vol1.djvu/70

 58 HISTORY OF THE GERMAN PEOPLE all our time ; the present, which is called the time of grace, is precious beyond measure to all devout souls. Therefore it is recommended to all to read the Scriptures, in order to attain to a knowledge of God, our Creator and Lord ; for the grace which man may obtain from God through reading or hearing the Holy Scriptures is without limit, if so be that we act up to what we know. As the holy Apostle St. James says in the fourth chapter of his Epistle : " To him, therefore, who knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is a sin." The author then enumerates the various benefits which follow from reading or hearing the Holy Scriptures, and goes on to say : ' There is no trial or affliction,' how- ever great, for which, if we read the Holy Scriptures, and take them truly to heart, and put our trust in God, we shall fail to be comforted by the grace of the Holy Spirit. He who is without faith is without help and grace ; while the strong in faith find comfort and assistance and much grace. Our Lord said to St. Peter when he feared death in the storm : " thou of little faith, what fearest thou ? ,: ' Among the readers of the Bible we may distinguish five separate classes. First, those who read to know but not to do — rather that they may reprove others ; this is spiritual pride. Secondly, those who read in order to be considered learned. Thirdly, those who read with a view to personal gain, which is base and mercenar}^. Fourthly, those who study and read in order to instruct others in the will of God, and to better their lives, which is true charity. Fifthly, and lastly, those who use all their efforts to learn that which is true wisdom. To the last two classes the study of the Sacred Scriptures is profitable, for they are not actuated by pride or hypocrisy.'