A godly and learned assertion in defence of the true church of God, and…

Name: A godly and learned assertion in defence of the true church of God, and…
Author: Philip Melanchthon

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.

Philip Melanchthon 1497–1560London : Imprinted at London at the three Cranes in the Vinetree by Thomas Dawson, 1580

[14], 66 [i.e. 132], [1] p. · 28k words · STC 17790 · ESTC S1632

Title page typeset from the transcription.

Of the Church, and of the Authority of the word of God. › Of Gregory Romanus.Of the Churche, and of the Auctority of the woorde of God. › Of Gregory Romanus.

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.

[ Earlier:226–241 of 294

:226p. 46

This increased the offence of Gregory, that he would have this tradition to be received in the Churches of those people called Siculi. Which at that time according to the decrees of ancient Synods or Councils, retained still marriages in all their Ecclesiastical degrees, neither did they burden their Deacons with vows, or any other persons.¹ Why doth Gregory here take upon him the rule and government of other Churches? When as indeed he declameth so tragically that he abhorreth ⟨image 55⟩from the name of the universal Bishop. Further more, why doth he there disannul marriages, where the Deacons are not burdened with vows? Why doth he not here stand in awe of the authority of former Councils? This fault where it containeth manifest ungodliness and tyranny it is very evident, that this age wherein Gregory lived, was not without great errors.

This increased the offence of Gregory, that hee woulde haue this tradition to be receaued in the Churches of those people called Siculi. Which at that tyme according to the decrees of auncient Synodes or Councelles, retayned still marriages in all theyr Ecclesiasticall degrees, neyther did they burden theyr Deacons with vowes, or any other persons.¹ Why dooth Gregory heere take vppon him the rule and gouernement of other Churches? When as indeede hee declameth so tragically that hee abhorreth ⟨image 55⟩from the name of the vniuersall Bishop. Further more, why dooth he there disanul marriages, where the Deacons are not burdened with vowes? Why doth he not heere stande in awe of the autority of former Councels? This faulte where it containeth manifest vngodlynes and tyranny it is very euident, that this age wherein Gregory liued, was not without greate errors.

1His artrogancy and tyranny.

:227img 55

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