A07405:187
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.
Of Augustine.
Augustine handled well many necessary controversies:1 he refuted the Arians, Manichees, Donatists, and Pelagians. For now in his time, there had crept into the Church philosophical opinions which Pelagius confirmed, transforming the Gospel into philosophy: For he contended that original sin was a matter of nothing,2 that men might by the law of God make satisfaction, and that by reason of that external obedience they might deserve forgiveness of sins, that they were just, and that they could merit or deserve by their works everlasting life. But, he said nothing Touching faith in Christ, Nothing touching help of The holy Ghost. This doctrine of Pelagius, 3was not of the Gospel, but of Philosophy, as for the most part the opinion of all learned school men, bended the self same way. But that these do annex here unto some monastical superstitions. And now again in our time many do slide away into Pelagian opinions, because they are plausible to humane reason. Therefore, Augustine in his time restored afresh and again lightened the doctrine of the gospel touching ⟨p. 36⟩Grace,4 & faith in Christ, when as it was almost extinguished. For this benefit, the Church is much bound unto him. Touching Original sin, he speaketh with much more perspicuity, than all others. Also he speaketh more distinctly and more rightly as touching Free will. That by force of free will, man may do the external works of the law and other honest civil works: But he sayeth without the holy Ghost,5 men can not have spiritual motions, true fear of God, true faith, and true patience, (that is) newness of life which ought too appear in those that are to be saved.