A07405:165
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.
This example is recited touching invocation of Saints. And although this seemeth to he rather a feigned fable, and afterwards […] abroad under the title of Nazianzen, yet, admit the History were true, it is not therefore too be cited too confirm or ratify the invocation of Saints: For the errors ⟨p. 31⟩of the godly are not too be opposed or set against the word of God,1 for even the godly in every age which are of the Church, have their infirmities also.
This example is recited touching inuocation of Saincts. And although this seemeth to hee rather a fayned fable, and afterwardes 〈…〉 abroade vnder the title of Nazianzen, yet, admitte the History were true, it is not therefore too bee cited too confirme or ratify the inuocation of Sainctes: For the errours ⟨p. 31⟩of the godly are not too bee opposed or set against the word of God,1 for euen the godly in euery age which are of the Church, haue their infirmities also.
- 1Errors of the Godly are not to be opposed against the word of God.
Our foresaid adversaries do further allege our of Basilius and Nazianzen, 1that in the end of their sermons touching Saints, they were wont to call upon them for help: as namely, O Athanasius, pray for us. But although these Apostrophes, or turning of speech may be excused under rhetorical figures, yet it may be, that (according too the manner of their time,) they did than call upon Saints: for invocation of Saints at that time, by little and little crept into the church, & errors of the times do seduce men, that they less disallow of things used in the Church, & well esteem the same. Like as the violent force of raging floods carrieth with it such as sail there, and yet notwithstanding is the invocation of Saints, never the more to be well allowed of. And seeing this custom increased, and now the impiety is discovered, it ought utterly to be abolished out of the church.