A07405:10
A godly and learned assertion in defence of the true church of God, and…
A godly and learned assertion in defence of the true church of God, and of His Word written in Latin by that Reverend Father D. Philip Melanchthon, after the convention at Ratisbona, anno 1541 ; translated into English by R.R.A godly and learned assertion in defence of the true church of God, and of His Woorde written in Latine by that Reuerend Father D. Philip Melancthon, after the conuention at Ratisbona, anno 1541 ; translated into English by R.R.
London : Imprinted at London at the three Cranes in the Vinetree by Thomas Dawson, 1580
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.
been most ready therewith too draw down the third part of the stars, that is too say not only too obscure the light of the true word of God, and of the glorious Gospel of his son Jesus Christ, but also utterly too caste under foot all true testimonies thereof. Yet blessed be the Lord God of Israel, who being careful for his elect, doeth now and then raise up a mighty salvation unto his people, Luk. […] i• sending one or other good Michael, with his Angels, that is too say, one or other godly religious and christian Prince ⟨image 4⟩with his Godly religious and christian Nobles, Bishops, Doctors, Preachers, and Teachers, who with the sword of Truth, the shield of faith, breastplate of righteousness & Helmet of hope unto salvation in Christ, have borne away like victory & prize of like Gigantomachia, with the triumph of truth according to that saying: Those shall •ight with the Lamb, & the Lamb shall overcome them, because he is the Lord of Lords, and King of Kings: and they which are on his side, called, and elect, and faithful. Apoc. 17. Experience of this spiritual victory (Right honourable) doeth the sacred bible sufficiently administer unto us: Later ages of the world give us also fresh memory thereof: And our time no doubt by Gods providence can testify too his praise and glory. It is not paste forty years agone since the trial of this was wonderfully manifested to all Christendom, by the state of Gods church disquieted in Germany. What time a little before the death of that noble Prince George Duke of Saxony, the ⟨image 4⟩city of Frankfurt ad Moenum was vexed with the enmity of the Romish Dragon. So that after some preruption on both sides, it was the good providence of God to move the minds of the noble Princes electors there, to require of the Emperors Majesty Charles the fifth then living, a determinate convention or meeting for the establishing of true religion, and abolishing of Popety: which being decreed too be had at Hagonea ad Rhenum in Germany A•no 1540. thither amongest other learned Germans came the reverent Doctor Philip Melanchthon. Who thinking too have full conference by disputation, in presence of Granuellanus President for the said Emperor: even at that time (ipsis aduersarijs tergiver santibus) were utterly disappointed of their expectation: