RIGHT Honorable Lords , you may not possiblie be ignorant of the late-bred broyles not long since brewed & broached at Nottingham , by meanes of Sommers his supposed possession and dispossession : especially , those selfesame broyles being eftsoones reuiued since , and now also ( by what priuiledge we wotte not ) so publikely reported in Print , as their flying rumours doe mightilie ouer-runne the whole Realme , yea , euen to the vttermost borders thereof . We two , did vndoubtedly assure our selues that the holie regard of Religion ; of loyall obedience to her Maiesties Princely prerogatiue : of the publike peace of the Church : of due reuerence to her Maiesties positiue Lawes : of dutifull submission to the definitiue sentence of Iustice : of common humanitie towards the persons of men : yea , and of a carefull continuance of their honest reputations ; woulde something haue restrained , if not vtterly inhibited the parties ( especially conuicted ) from the vntimely attempting of any such vnorderly course , as now ( by their newly published Pamphletes ) they haue most vndutifully blazed abroad . And therefore , the Christian care of that their hoped moderate cariage , hath caused vs hitherto euen purposely to suppresse this folowing Treatise , which ( almost three yeeres since ) we had euen carefully ●ompyled , as a christian counter-checke to al such vnwoonted occurrents : yea , and this our former ▪ suppressing thereof , proceeded ( we assure you ) from a felow-like feare of procuring vntimely disgrace , and of adding affliction to the principall parties themselues . Esteeming it much better , to burie our precedent labours in the graue of forgetfulnes : then ( by any their needlesse publishing ) to procure a present disturbance , or to hatch a subsequent broyle in the Church , by pestering the same with such impertinent , obscure and needlesse paradoxes , as in their books are broched abroad . Howbeit , perceiuing the principall parties , with other their vnder-hand fauorites ( as it were in a setled pertinacie ) not onely to hold all those their former phantasticall toies with tooth and naile , but ( which more is ) thus preposterously , and ( perhaps also with the secret support of their vnder-hand Fauorites ) thus vndutifully to pursue the same with such publike disgrace of publike persons , notwithstanding any the precedent countermaunds , or definitiue determinations of publike authoritie : we verily thought , and our owne conscience did witnes against vs in the presence of God : that we might iustly be deemed too too irreligious towards the Lord : disloyall to her Maiesties Princely prerogatiue : ouer-much carelesse of publike peace : exceeding remisse concerning the positiue Lawes of our land : most derogatorious to the definitiue sentence of iustice : monstrous inhumane towards the persons of men : yea , altogither carelesse of our honest reputations : if that light , which the Lord in mercie ( we hope ) hath reuealed vnto vs , Math. 5. 11. should now any longer Lie buried vnder a bushell , and not rather be set on a candlesticke , for the better enlightning of all in the house concerning these intricate and hidden mysteries . More especially now at this present , when the fearefull infection of those their factious proceedings , so vniuersally , and so dangerously ouer spreadeth it selfe : not vnlike to the fretting Gangrena , 2. Tim. 2. 17. or incurable Canker .

Experienced Antiquaries ( right honorable Lords ) doe verie well know , to what dangerous heads such si●ly beginnings , haue ( by carelesse negligence ) growen in continuance of time : and therefore , euen the verie primarie appearances of euerie such fearefull occurrent , would be the more warelie and more wisely nipt in the head , yea , and the streaming courses thereof the more heedfully intercepted and stopped in time , for feare of ouerflowing the yoong buds of our holy Religion . For these speciall respects wee haue now proffered our labours to publike view , and doe verie humblie importune your Honors patronage , and fauourable protection for them : so farre foorth especially as they fully accord with the infallible truth of the Scriptures .

We protest ( right Honorable Lords ) that we our selues ( in penning this Treatise ) did euen purposely resolue with our soules , to banish all partiall and priuate respects from out of our brests : as may ( by the matter and method thereof ) verie plainely appeere to any indifferent Reader . Yea wee wholie deuoted our selues , to penne onely such speciall points as other writers report and record in their seuerall workes ; and which in our owne consciences ( before the presence of God ) we are hitherto perswaded are vndoubtedly true : desiring with all our harts to be better and more fully informed ( wherein we haply may erre ) by the holie endeuours of such as the Lord hath in mercie enlightened with a more syncere and sanctified knowledge concerning these points . The speciall motiues for our thus dedicating to your good Honors , all ioyntly togither this published Treatise : are these that folow in order .

1 First , your wisedomes hauing heretofore , very orderlie enquired , into , and iudicially determined the vndoubted truth of those the aforesaid occurrents : we verily perswaded our selues , that as you are therefore the most able , so would you be also the more willing , to approoue , or disprooue of our labors herein , according to those your former proceedings , and the holy directions of the eternall God .

2 The aduerse parties themselues , hauing ( partly by their published Pamphlets , and partly also , by their priuate solicitours ) verie often , and earnestly laboured , either all , or the most of your Honors to some fauourable regard of their languishing cause : wee in like manner ( esteeming your wisedomes the most competent Iudges heerein ) do therefore referre the due triall of our trauels , much rather to your Honors , then to any her Maiesties high Commissioners in Ecclesiasticall causes : partly , because , they ( being themselues esteemed but parties herein , and openly challenged of vnequall proceedings ) might haply be deemed by the aduerse part but incompetent Iudges : and partly , for that your good Honors especially , being euerie way free from such exception , may therefore , become the more willing to heare and determine the truth of these matters .

3 Moreouer , considering eftsoones with our selues , that , those often , and earnest solicitings of parties on both sides ( they arguing especially the controuerted causes with such flat oppositions ) might haply but breed in your Honorable breasts , some scruple of conscience about the vndoubted truth of such intricate questions : we did therefore account it our bounden dutie , to yeeld your good Honors our holiest supplies , for the better enlightning of your present iudgements in the hidden mysteries of those cloudie occurrents .

4 Lastly , your good Honors next vnder her supereminent highnes , enioying a primarie subordinate power concerning the authenticall hearing and determining of such and so shamefull disorders as do daily discouer themselues in those disordered persons , who seeke ( in such a malcontented humour ) to vphold , and maintaine those quaint matters in question : we were the rather induced to tender our trauels to your Honorable protections . That so , your good Honors ( by your approoued authoritie ) might , the more authentically command the aduerse parties themselues , foorthwith to desist from their former factious courses , and humblie submit to the truth of the Treatise , it being substantiallie sounde : or otherwise , in more dutifull sort to addresse their holiest endeuours to some sounder , and honester maner of answering , then hitherto they haue shewed to the world .

We looke euerie hower ( right Honorable Lords to be notoriously branded with the blacke coale of vnchristian reproches , such and so scandalous are the cankred mouthes of some clamorous companions : who ( not vnlike to the benumming Torpedo ) do purposely endeuour by their intoxicated and most slanderous reuilings , to astonish the verie hands of so many as presume to put penne to the paper , against any their irregular practises . Seeing therefore it is vtterly impossible the Leopard should alter his spots , Ier. 13. 23. we do assuredly expect when their Pulpits shall ring out , and their night crowing Pamphlets proclaime to the world , that such two , are quite falne from the brethren and their cause , they know not well what : that they are become Apostates , reuolters , backsliders , formalistes , and such as fawne on the state : and this onely , for that we fauour not forsooth , these their Cabalisticall conceits and phantasticall fooleries . Well , whatsoeuer they prate , we will vndergo it with patience , 1. Cor. 4. 3. 4. not passing one pinne , to be iudged of them , or of any mans iudgement else : no , we iudge not our owne selues . For , we know nothing by our owne selues : and yet are we not thereby iustified : but he that iudgeth vs both is the Lord . And as for that their odious name of Formalists : wherewith especially they sport themselues most in branding their brethren , we regard not therein their virulent reuilings one rush : hauing ( in a more mature deliberation ) experimented long since , the graue councell of Drusius to sound verie sutablie with the sacred Scriptures , saying thus , Esto potius cauda Leonum , quam caput Vulpium . Hoc est , da operam , vt potius sis postremus inter viros generosos : quam primus inter callidos versipelles . Ioh. Drusij Adag . 2. Haras in libro Auoth . In Sanhedrin . edit . Basiliens : cap. 10. Be thou rather the verie taile of Lyons , then the head of Foxes . That is , do thou giue thy endeuour , to be rather the last , or the lowest among noble , and gentillike persons : then the first , or the highest , among that base crew of craftie vndermining companions , and heere we haue set downe our rest .

Hauing hitherto ( right Honorable Lords ) verie brieflie displaied our maine purpose concerning the first penning and publishing of this folowing Treatise : we do now ( in all humble submission ) refer our selues and our sutes to your approoued considerations , and your good Honors to the almightie his holie directions , in this one and all other your iudiciall proceedings . So be it .

If happely it seeme strang vnto any , that we should now so suddainely desist from such a determined purpose ; it may please them to consider afresh , that , for as much as some malefactours ( notwithstanding their palpable crimes ) in a malcontented humour , doe couertly vndermine and nibble in corners , the honourable credit of her Maiesties high commission : therefore busie must needs haue a band . And , in that onely respect ( besides the importunities of such as haue eftsoones considerately perused the worke ) we also our owne selues haue had our latter cogitations , Reasons , for the now publishing of this present treatise . concerning some seasonable manifestation thereof at this present , and that more especially for these following reasons .

First , our harty true zeale to the glory of God , the same also entermingled eftsoones with some christian care for many poore ignorant soules , as also , with an vnfained loue of that truth , Tertul. in Apologetico . quae nihil veretur nisi abscondi , which feareth nothing more deepely , then to be fearefully entombed in the gulph of forgetfulnesse : doe , euen peremptorily prouoke vs both , to proceede recto pectore , with all integrity and vprightnesse of hart , in the now publishing of this our entended enterprize .

Secondly , we are so much the more willingly drawen to exhibit our trauels to publique vew : by how much we do now very plainely perceiue , that , our Antagonists printed opinion , concerning the perpetuity of such supernaturall and miraculous operations in these daies of the Gospel : doth fearefully shake , and very shrewdly vndermine the certeinty and vndoubted assurance of that sacred religion which we all iointly professe . For , if our said religion standeth perpetually in need to bee eftsoones confirmed afresh , by the extraordinary seale of any such extraordinary or miraculous actions ? How then should we certainely know when the vndoubted assurance thereof is certainely and sufficiently confirmed vnto vs ? Sith that thing which eftsoones admitteth such essentiall supplies : doth implicatiuely import some manner of imperfection , in some shew at the least .

Thridly , we were also the rather perswaded thereto , in an especiall regard of that fearfull effect which must necessarily succeed so absurd a conceit . For this their pestilent opinion which concerneth the working of miracles in these daies of the Gospell , what doth it else ( in effect ) but iniuriously put vpon faithfull professors , Math. 24. 23. 24. the liuely cognizance , Luc. 17. 31. the liuerie or badge of that Antichristian brood , 2. Thes. 2. 9. 10. to whom the vnwoonted accomplishment of such lying signes and woonders ( by the speciall permission of God ) doth peculiarly and properly appertaine from time to time . And therefore , that any true professour of the Gospell , should now appropriate that selfe same power to himselfe which onely is proper to Antichrist : 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 : Hieron . de illustribus . aut Plato Philonissat , aut Philo Platonissat : either the Protestant he plaies kindly the Papist , or the Papist he plaies correspondently the Protestant at least : for in this speciall point , the one is not apparantly discerned from the other .

Fourthly , we were now the more forward that way , because this their pestiferous opinion , doth offer directly a verie shrewd checke to such other verie reuerend Preachers , as either cannot or dare not ( vpon any the like extraordinarie occasion ) aduenture ( hand ouer head ) vpon any the like exordinarie course . For had not these preposterous practises with a prouident circumspection beene warily preuented in time : surely , the vulgar sort ( whose shallow reach concerning especially such intricate cases , Lucianus . neque coelum neque terram attingere potest , and whose censure herein is like to hearbe Iohn in the pottage ) they would ( notwithstanding their wants whatsoeuer ) vno ore , with one mouth ( as it were ) haue cried foorth thus , M. Darel , M. Darell , he is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , the onely D●uiner of signes and of woonders : his ministerie shall haue my onely applause . Yea , and ( which more is ) the very country Dames they would with their tatling toongs haue told it in Gath , 2. Sam. 1. 20. that M. Darel alone he hath Delphicum gladium , Aristotoleles . the double edged Delphicall sword : both to gard the good Christian , & to girde vp the Diuell in a corner . As for our silie Sir Iohn he is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , Aristophanes . Asinus portans mysteria , an asse in a fryers cowle , a cipher in Algurisme : or rather , a leaden sword in a siluer scabbard . And thus the whole countrey they would ( in continuance of time ) verie fearfully haue fallen vnto the Corinthian factions , 1. Cor. 3. 4. 7. some holding of Paul , and some of Apollos : where as it is the Lord alone who giues the encrease .

Fiftly , an apparant necessity for the now publishing of this or some other like treatise , very apparantly breakes foorth to the view of the world : in an especiall regard of the great inconuenience , or rather the most palpable absurdity ensuing so absurd an opinion . For , if that with such other supposed miraculous actions , are now ( as them selues very fondly auouch ) effected by the onely vertue and power of the true iustifying faith : what wonderfull scruple of conscience might that so absurd a conceit procure to such silly poore soules , as ( being eftsoones perswaded of their iustifying faith ) can at no hand effect the like admirable actions ? Considering especially , that one and the selfesame faith , cannot possibly but haue ( in some measure at least ) the very selfesame effects .

Sixtly , we are now the more foreward in publishing these our late labours abroad to the world ; as wel , to intimate our harty desires for the timely satisfying of others , about the fearefull possessions , and dispossessions of diuels , as also ( if this our proper opinion be deemed but doubtfull ) to procure from some others of better ability , a more absolute censure , or iudiciall determination concerning these so intricate and doubtfull occurrents .

Seuenthly , we doe now the rather exhibit these our present conferences to the consideration of all : that we might ( by this meanes ) more especially make knowen to the world , our christian care for the timely recouery of the principall parties them selues : who ( hauing hitherto , Iude 22. but lightly regarded the christian compassions of such as haue carefully sought their christian conuersion ) must now ( of necessity ) be saued with feare , Iude 23. through a more violent withdrawing of them from the fier , according to Ben-Sirah his sacred aduise , saying thus as followeth . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , Ben-Sirah in suis prouerbijs . Item , citatum inuenies in Medras Mesle . idest . Sapientem nutu ; et stultum fuste . Correct the wise with a nodde : and , the vnwise with a club . Signifying thereby vnto vs , that , whereas all manner of lenitie is foorthwith to be vsed towards those that are tractable : the knottie or knurrie hard logs , doe craue strong yron wedges , and many hard strokes to bring them in good order .

Eightly , we were also the more willing in this our determined purpose , the rather to put some present good ende ( if we possibly might ) to the indirect dealings , and preposterous proceedings of such as haue preposterously taken vpon them those preposterous practises . Who ( being by all outward appearance of truth , and perhaps in their owne conscience to ) verie iudicially conuinced for grosse malefactors : doe notwithstanding all this verie malapertly endeuour to mannage their owne contradictorie courses , against the authenticall countermaunds of her Maiesties lawfull authority . Eccles. 10 , 20. 1. Pet. 2. 13. 17. Yea , and this also with most apparant deprauings , disgracings , reuilings and tauntings . Moreouer , with lying , with cogging and circumuenting deuises . Whereas Ladie truth , the more simple shee is , the more shining shee is : at no hand affecting any such bumbasted brauados , to support or beare vp her vnanswerable edicts , how base or how simple soeuer in outward appearance .

Ninthly , we were lead in like manner to this late publike proceeding , in an especiall regard of our woonderfull lothnes that so many palpable vntruths , and such pestiferous opinions ( as in those their published Pamphlets and printed Apologies are broached but lately abroad , to the dangerous bewitching and desperate enchanting of many poore ignorant vnstable soules ) should so passe vnderhand in the publike veiw of tagge and ragge , without the timely controlement of any : or runne abroad ( as they doe ) from hand to hand for good currant payment , or euer they be tried with the touch-stone of truth , and before they be throughly waighed with the approoued waights of the sanctuarie : or not hauing vpon them some discretiue stampe or discerning censure at least .

Lastly , our loyall obedience , and conscionable duties towards the timelie vpholding of the Magistrates authenticall authoritie and credit , which these men ( in all the rest , more especiallie , in that their verie last vndutifull deprauing Pamphlets ) like petie yoong presses , vnderminingly haue publisht in print , without any her Maiesties authenticall priuiledge : was not ( we assure thee ) the least motiue in duty , ( howsoeuer the last in degree ) to this our lately pretended purpose . The premisses therefore exactly considered , & the reasons themselues being dulie perpended in a more dutifull regard of her Maiesties supereminent authority ouer al persons & causes in Christ : we doubt not at all , but that ( notwithstanding our former resolutions concerning the respectiue suppressing of these our priuate endeuours ) the wiser sort , will verie willingly dispence with their publishing now at this present especially : wherein ( it may shrewdly be feared ) the wilde trees of the Forrest doe couertlie combine themselues of a verie set purpose to make the proud bramble-bush some mightie Magnifico in their secret assemblies . Iudg. 9. 8. &c. These occasions considered with a right respect , we doubt not at all , but , that this our now published Treatise , will bee deemed as a worde deliuered in due season : to so many especially , as doe sincerely affect the glorie of God : as doe ( with a prouident circumspection ) endeuour to propagate the Gospel of Christ : Psal. 122. 6. 7. brieflie , as doe conscionablie praie for , and dutifullie pursue that prosperitie of Ierusalem , Psal. 85. 10. 11. wherein righteousnesse and peace haue kissed each other . As for the rest , we waight euerie hower when their lauish toongs will be lashing abroad , and their intemperate pens will be Printing in corners , King Achab his peremptorie proclamation against vs : exclaming in their outrage , & crying vnto vs , 1. King . 21. 20. Haue you found vs , 1. King . 22. 8. O our enimies , haue you found vs indeed . And will you in no wise prophesie any other but euill vnto vs ?

Well , whatsoeuer will be the issue of that their intemperate humour , all their exceptions ( how virulent soeuer ) they must be such ( we are sure ) as concerne either our persons : or our cause at the least .

Their exceptions against our persons , they must respectiuelie concerne , either our skill in learning : or , our cariage of life . Touching any our great skill of learning , we both know , and do freely confesse ( as before ) that we are ( euen in our owne eies ) minimi Apostolorum , the verie last and the least of ten thousand : that we were borne out of due time , 1. Cor. 15. 8. 9. and are vtterly vnwoorthy the neme of publike preaohers . Howbeit , by the grace of God , we are that we are , & his graces ( we hope ) they were not bestowed vpon vs in vaine . Besides all this , the more vnskilfull we be for such publike writing , the more able our aduersaries are ( with their exceeding great skill ) to answere whatsoeuer we write .

As for our carriage of life , their exceptions that way , they must haue a more speciall relation , either to our precedent : or to our now present practises at least .

Our precedent practises ( when they were at the woorst ) they were none other then those that doe ordinarily attend vpon the corrupt nature of men : and therfore howsoeuer they themselues ( in any Pharisaicall conceit of their owne proper strength ) may haply imagine themselues to be able to stand , Luc. 18. 9. 11. 12. let them ( if they be wise ) beware least they fall . Howbeit , if for any matters past ( either truely knowen , 1. Cor. 10. 12. or vncharitably suspected ) the vile venim of their venemous spirits would swell their cankred harts in sunder , vnlesse ( after their accustomed manner with all men ) they should 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , Beza annotat . in Math. 1. 19. expose our persons to publike reproches : we will verie willingly vndergoe whatsoeuer disgrace the Lord ( for this cause ) allotteth vnto vs . And ( which more is ) we will with patience endure , 2. Sam. 16. 9. Aristophanes . that these furious dead dogs doe 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . Canem excoriatam excoriare : stay afresh our newly slain carkasses , and adde affliction to our affliction . Assuring our selues that our gratious God who giues them this leaue to curse poore Dauid afresh ( so soone as proud railing Shimei hath spit foorth his venemous spite to the full , 2. Sam. 16. 9. 10. 11. 12. and vented the vttermost force of his limited furie ) he will then ( in a great mercie ) behold our afflictions this day , and bestow some present new blessing vpon vs .

Touching any our now present practises ( howsoeuer the common calumniatours of men may happely measure the proportion of our steps , by their owne proper footings , and so ouerreache vs a large inch at the least ) we doe here in the honour of Gods holy name ( with the protestation of our harts ) very freely acknowledge , that , albeit we our owne selues do know more by our selues then all the world else : yet ( we praise our good God ) we do ( at this present ) know nothing by our selues that may make vs afraid to confront the very holiest of them all to their face ; 1. Cor. 4. 4. though ( notwithstanding all this ) we are not therefore iustified in the presence of him who iudgeth the hart . In the meane time , we thinke it some part of brotherly duety , to forewarne all those our calumnious accusers of this ; namely , that if they still make it their speciall glory to vndergo the gung-farmers office , or if they doe still take a singular pleasure to be rifling and raking in euery mans channel euen vp to their elbowes : may happily ( in the end ) defile their faire fingers , and procure a foule sauour to their owne proper persons . And therefore we do frendly aduise them , to desist from those cullion-like courses in time : or if ( because antiquum obtinet Crito ) their tatling toongs must needs he tampring that way in corners at least : then , let them begin first ( as we say ) ab ipso lare , Aristides . Math. 7. 5. to be holy at home : let them first make a Saint of their owne proper shrine : yea let them first pull foorth the beame from their owne , or euer they entermeddle with the little moate in their poor● brothers eie . Otherwise , they should shew them selues very like to the slouenly barber , who ( being to to curious in cutting , in washing and in trimming of others ) hath no care at all how deformedly he seemeth him selfe . Or , like to the curious eie , which very readily espieth the least spot that may be in any one member 〈…〉 body : but , beholdeth not the foule vgly blemishes it hath in it selfe . Briefly , else should they declare themselues to be the hundred eied Argos in other mens matters : but , the one eied polyphemus in their proper affaires : according to the old rustick verses saing thus .

Briefly , let them withall assure them selues , In Gemara cap. 6. that howsoeuer we two doe determine with Drusius and say , Item in Glossa Thalmudica . Audire praestat , quam dicere maledicta : It is much better to here euil of our selues , then to speake any euil of another ) yet , eftsoones it so comes to passe , vt , qui pergit quae vult dicere , quae non vult audiet , that he which takes pleasure to speake what he please , he must now and then be content to heare what he would not : according to our english prouerbe which saith : In Elie , id est , in the height of his pride . qui mock at mockabitur : he that mocketh others in Elie , shal be mocked him selfe at Abbington . And all this ( in the iust iudgment of God ) is but lex talionis , At Abington , id est , on the gallowes that Northhamptonshire feolons are hanged vpon . the rendring of like for like .

Their exceptions more especially concerning our cause , they are such as respect either the matter it selfe , or our manner of handling the same .

The matter it selfe whatsoeuer , we doe freely offer to their publike view and are verie well willing the truth thereof ; be tried downe to the branne . In the triall whereof , if happely it fall foorth to be either hay , or straw , or stubble , 1. Cor. 3. 12. 13. and so by consequence become vtterly vnfit for the building in hand : we are content that the same be foorth with reiected of all , as a roauing rapsody vnworthy the reading .

Touching our manner of handling the cause , their exceptions that way must necessarily be such as concerne the very forme it selfe : or our order in following the same .

First for the forme it selfe , the same ( you see ) is Dialogicall : the which forme ( we are sure ) is no lesse ancient then authentically approoued of all , and therefore we know no one reason as yet , why we also our selues may not iustly challenge the priuiledge thereof if we please . If any may happily imagine we haue purposely propounded to our selues this dialogizing manner of dealing of a very set purpose : to the end , that by such a prosopopoeia , or faining of persons , we might gaine greater liberty to propound what seemeth good to our selues , and to girde at whose persons we please : our answere is this , that , the speakers produced in this present discourse , they are such as directly concerne the matters in question : and therefore , no man may iustly be offended therat , but he only that is tainted with those erronious absurdities , which vnder that name , are so couertly touched . Neither may any be iustly greeued , that we haue put downe manie moe obiections , then our aduersaries woulde euer haue made : for therein , we haue rather furthered , then foundered the free passage of their cause whatsoeuer . Yea , much more for mannaging their cause , is propounded by vs , then hath hitherto beene heard from themselues , or from any their fauorites : although wee haue purposely ploughed with their hey four from time to time , Iudg. 14. 18. that we might be the more readie in reading their riddle . And therefore , they haue no reason to be grieued against vs for any thing , vnlesse happily for this : namely , for that ( to spare them a labour ) we haue framed them their answere aforehand , and buttoned vp their lips , or euer they begin to speake .