A07405:204
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.
Therefore I exhort the godly Readers, first to consider the kinds of doctrine, whether that simply and without cavilling these men do propone the opinion of the scripture Prophetical and Apostolical. Next this, when the Fathers are cited too have good regard: what sayings of those Fathers are most consonant and agreeable unto the heavenly will and word of God. For there is great difference and inequality of the Fathers.
Therefore I exhorte the godly Readers, first to consider the kindes of doctrine, whether that simply and without cauelling these men doe propone the opinion of the scripture Propheticall and Apostolicall. Next this, when the Fathers are cited too haue good regarde: what sayinges of those Fathers are most consonant and agreeable vntoo the heauenly will and woorde of God. For there is greate difference and inequality of the Fathers.
Lastly (as Paul biddeth) too prove the Spirits, the opinion or mind of both parts is to be regarded, and whole scope of their determination is also too be marked. For after that manner do our Adversaries ha••le their matters, not to make any thing the better by their dealing, but by one pretended colour or other too defend their Tyranny, confirm and maintain their dignities and riches.1
Lastely (as Paule biddeth) too prooue the Spirites, the opinion or minde of both partes is to be regarded, and whole scope of theyr determination is also too bee marked. For after that manner doe our Aduersaryes ha••le theyr matters, not to make any thing the better by theyr dealing, but by one precended collour or other too defend theyr Tyranny, confirme and mainteyne theyr dignities and riches.1
- 1An exhortation •o the Godly eaders,