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.

[ Earlier:22–37 of 294

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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,² which have the Gospel and Sacraments and are sanctified by the holy Ghost, as (in the 5. Chapt. of S. Paul too the Ephes.) the Church is there described and as in John. 10. Where it is said, My sheep hear my voice.

But first, when I speake of the Churche, I do not meane Popes, Bishoppes, and others which do allow their opinions in this behalf: For these are the enimies of the true church,¹ some of them being Epicures, and othersome of them manifestly giuen to Idolatry: But, I call the Churche, the society of them which truely beleeue,² which haue the Gospel and Sacramentes and are sanctified by the holy Ghost, as (in the 5. Chapt. of S. Paule too the Ephes.) the Church is there described and as in Iohn. 10. Where it is saide, My sheepe heare my voyce.

1He showeth, who be the enemies of the true Chu•••e.Hee sheweth, who be the enimies of the true Chu•••e.
2What, & who be the true Church, and where.What, & who bee the true Churche, and where.

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