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 the Churche, and of the Auctority of the woorde of God.

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.

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These do rightly allege the authority of the church.¹ Wherefore I will orderly declare what the church is, & what Church is too be heard, & that we must use approved testimonies. And yet notwithstanding that the doctrine is to be judged out of the word of God, that the chief authority of Gods word may remain, according to that saying, If any man shall teach any other doctrine, ²let him be holden as accursed.

These do rightly alledge the auctority of the churche.¹ Wherfore I wil orderly declare what the church is, & what Churche is too bee heard, & that wee must vse approoued testimonies. And yet notwithstāding that the doctrin is to be iudged out of the woorde of God, that the chief autority of Gods word may remain, according to that saying, If any man shal teach any other doctrine, ²let him be holdē as accursed.

1Phil. Melancthons purpose in definition of the true Church of God.Phil. Melancthons purpose in diffinition of the true Church of God.
2Galat. 1.

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But first, when I speak of the Church, I do not mean Popes, Bishops, and others which do allow their opinions in this behalf: For these are the enemies of the true church,¹ some of them being Epicures, and othersome of them manifestly given to Idolatry: But, I call the Church, the society of them which truly believe,

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Westminster Assembly24

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