A07405:215
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.
His words are these unto Janua•ius, in his 119. Epistle. Yet notwithstanding the same Religion, which in a very few and most manifest sacraments of honouring GOD, The mercy of God would have to be free, do they suppress now with servile yokes, that the state of the Jews was more tolerable to them in times past, which were yet subject unto Gods laws and not unto mans.
His woordes are these vntoo Ianua•ius, in his 119. Epistle. Yet notwithstanding the same Religion, which in a very few and moste manifest sacramentes of honouring GOD, The mercy of God woulde haue to be free, doo they suppresse now with seruile yokes, that the state of the Iewes was more tollerable to them in tymes past, which were yet subiect vnto Gods lawes and not vnto mans.
And first touching mans traditions, he sayeth, Al this kind of matter hath his free observations. And afterwards he willeth that unprofitable traditions of men should be cut off.1 Therefore by this it appeareth, Augustine doth not so allow the ceremonies of his time, that he would tie or bind the Church unto that rule: for there were many things then received in the Church, which in deed himself doth not at all allow of: Nay rather he would those too be found fault withal, and reformed: And certain other things there were, which after the manner of his time he observed: So that we all do yield much unto present manners or fashions of their time.
And firste touching mans traditions, hèe sayeth, Al this kinde of matter hath his free obseruations. And afterwardes hee willeth that vnprofitable traditions of men shoulde be cut off.1 Therefore by this it appeareth, Augustine dooth not so allowe the ceremonies of his tyme, that hee woulde tye or binde the Churche vntoo that rule: for there were many thinges then receaued in the Church, which in deede himselfe dooth not at all allowe of: Nay rather hee woulde those too bee founde faulte withall, and reformed: And certayne other thinges there were, which after the maner of his tyme hee obserued: So that wee all doo yeelde much vntoo present manners or fashions of their tyme.