A04920:710
An Answer to a Great Number of Blasphemous Cavillations
An answer to a great number of blasphemous cavillations written by an Anabaptist, and adversary to Gods eternal predestination. And confuted by John Knox, minister of Gods word in Scotland. Wherein the author so discovereth the craft and falsehood of that sect, that the godly knowing that error, may be confirmed in the trueth by the evident Word of GodAn answer to a great nomber of blasphemous cauillations written by an Anabaptist, and aduersarie to Gods eternal predestination. And confuted by Iohn Knox, minister of Gods worde in Scotland. Wherein the author so discouereth the craft and falshode of that sect, that the godly knowing that error, may be confirmed in the trueth by the euident Worde of God
Geneva: printed by John Crespin, 1560Geneva: printed by Iohn Crespin, 1560
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.
for they will nether leave of their purpose, nether restore us to liberty, nether permit the true worshipping of God. and it were better for us to die▪ then to allow their iniquity, and to suffer our selves to be spoiled of the doctrine of the Gospel. I promise you assuredly that God shall prosper us▪ and that the victory shall be ours. For he him self promised me to my face, even he I say that can not deceive, nor lie, commanded me to begin this work on this manner, by punishing the Magistrates, and in ded• the power of God, herein appeareth most excellent, when a great multitude of enemies is slain by a small hand. To let many other things pass, ye know what Gideon brought to pass with a f•aw: what Jonathan did accompanied with one poor servant only: what David did when he fought alone against that monster Golias of huge stature, who for his height was even terrible to ⟨p. 415⟩look on. There is no doubt, but this day in like manner shall be notable, and had in remembrance of all posterities for the like spectacle. For although we seem not to be well furnished with weapons, nor fenced as it appertaineth, yet shall we have the victory. And this workmanship of heaven, and earth shall rather be changed, then that we shall be forsaken of God. for so in times past was the nature of the sea changed, that the Israelites might escape danger, when of Pharaoh they were pursued: let not the judgement of your own reason move you, nether let any appearance of shadow of danger trouble you, but valiantly invade the wicked, and ungodly enemy, never let their eng••es of w•rre make you afraid, for I will receive in the l•ppe of my garment all the gunstones. Behold see you not h•w merciful God is unto us▪ Look up I beseech you, and mark well the sign, and testimony of his perpetual love toward us: Lift up your eyes, and see me the bow of heaven, by the which image showed us from above, God signifieth to us most manifestly, that he will assist us in this battle: for as much as we have the same bow painted in our ensign, & he showeth also by the very same, death, and destruction to our tyrants. Therefore fall upon your enemies with a lusty courage, having an assured hope that God will help you. For God will not that ye should make peace with the wicked adversaries.