A07405:12
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.
And after that, as the Reverent Joachim•• Camerarius testifieth, (who writeth the whole discourse of his life,) this zealous Phinehas desisted not in defence of Gods quarrel, as by publishing his other works before▪ Namely his Confessio fidei, exhibited at Augusta, and his Siluula addressed for the pacification of the controversies in Frankfurt: So now did he write this book intituled De Ecclesia, after the assembly at Ratisbona. Like a Godly wise Aeoonomus in the Lords house, and like unto the provident Scriba doctus ad Regnum Coelorum, (as Christ sayeth Matt. 13.) bringing forth with the good Paterfamilias this learned assertion ⟨image 5⟩of spiritual treasures Nonorum & Veterum: for confirmation of the antiquity of Gods true church, and co•tutation of mans latter inventions. Which he dedicated unto that Godly renowned Prince and valiant defender of the truth, Albertu Duke of Prussia and M•rque• of Brandenburg. The remembrance whereof surely as it is notable, so were it a thing injurious to detain from the posterity of the faithful such a testimony of profound knowledge. And again, as Germany hath bin a natural nurse to the universal dispersed and afflicted church of the gospel long agone▪ so have we in England great cause (praising God for both their prosperous estates at this day) to embrace, & commemorate the doings of such godly learned fathers there living, as have bin, & yet are sound faithful furtherers of Gods glory, & constant friends of that truth, which we also now profess. Whereas, (Right honourable Earle,) sith by Gods gracious providence his church with rare & excellent benefits is thus many years fructifying ⟨image 6⟩amongest us: Especially under the protection of the immediate next under god supreme head thereof, so gracious a Queen, so godly & religious a Princes our dear Sovereign Lady, Queen Elizabeth, thus prosperously and prudently upholding her house with the wise woman. Prou. 14