A07405:216
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 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.
- 1Note, Augustines sound judgement touching the overthrow of mans traditions.Note, Augustines sounde iudgement touching the ouerthrow of mans traditions.
In this mans time speeches of Purgatory began every where too wax rife:1 which he neither refuteth nor confirmeth. Only he declareth, saying there were certain persons which so thought that the souls of the godly were purged, after that they departed out of their bodies: But in his 9. book of Confessions he requireth of God in his prayer for his mother departed, in these words, Lord inspire thy servants, that they may remember my father and my mother, at the Alter. Neither doth he require any thing more. Now although