A00278:13
Whether it be a mortal sin to transgress civil laws which be the commandments…VVhether it be a mortall sinne to transgresse ciuil lawes which be the commaundementes…
Whether it be a mortal sin to transgress civil laws which be the commandments of civill magistrates. The judgement of Philip Melancton in his epitome of moral philosophy. The resolution of D. Hen. Bullinger, and D. Rod. Gualter, of D. Martin Bucer, and D. Peter Martyr, concerning the apparel of ministers, and other indifferent things.VVhether it be a mortall sinne to transgresse ciuil lawes which be the commaundementes of ciuill magistrates. The iudgement of Philip Melancton in his epitome of morall philosophie. The resolution of D. Hen. Bullinger, and D. Rod. Gualter, of D. Martin Bucer, and D. Peter Martyr, concernyng thapparrel of ministers, and other indifferent thinges.
Imprinted at London : In Powles Churchyarde by Richard Jugge printer to the Queens Majesty, 1570?Imprinted at London : In Powles Churchyarde by Richard Iugge printer to the Queenes Maiestie, 1570?
Title page typeset from the transcription.
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
This difference liketh me, not only because reason breadeth sundry bonds, but rather, because the mind of the magistrate is evident, which in the former matters simply requireth obedience: in other lighter matters it doth not so exact it. The mind of the lawmaker must be considered, how far he will bind, & yet in these lighter things there may be no wantonness & contempt of authority, for it is an evil example. But it is profitable as well for discipline, as the quietness of the common wealth, so to accustom our minds, that even in trifles they may regard the authority of the laws. And this we must know, that we live not to our selves, but to the common wealth. We must therefore take heed, that our examples be no public hurt. The same doth Plato most gravely write in his fifth book of laws, that he is the best and most worthy citizen, which accounteth not triumphs or any victories to be the chiefest renown in the city, but to excel others in diligent obeying of the laws.
This difference liketh me, not only because reason breadeth sundry bondes, but rather, because the mynde of the magistrate is euident, which in the former matters simply requireth obedience: in other lighter matters it doth not so exacte it. The mynde of the lawemaker must be consydered, howe farre he wyll binde, & yet in these lyghter thinges there may be no wantonnesse & contempt of aucthoritie, for it is an euyll example. But it is profitable as well for discipline, as the quietnesse of the common wealth, so to accustome our myndes, that euen in trifles they may regard the aucthoritie of the lawes. And this we must knowe, that we lyue not to our selues, but to the common wealth. We must therfore take heede, that our examples be no publike hurt. The same doth Plato most grauely wryte in his fift booke of lawes, that he is the best and most worthy citizen, which accounteth not triumphes or any victories to be the chiefest renowme in the citie, but to excell others in diligent obeying of the lawes.
But here the question is asked, whether the like judgement be of Ecclesiastical ceremonies, which by the authority of man are ordained. I answer, that herein this rule must be observed, that in case of offence it is sin ⟨p. 8⟩