A07405:256
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.
But why do the Adversaries lay for themselves the authority of the Church,1 when as they contend not with us, touching doctrine, nor touching Religion, but concerning their sensualities, and promotions, they will not have their peaceable estate too be troubled? This is one and the only cause why they desire our subversion. For there are certain opinions more clearer then the Noon day. And yet because they would oppress the same, they put in practise open ⟨p. 54⟩cruelty,2 they kill and slay the Godly, learned and good men, yea and the Ministers of the Church for marriage sake. Where shall a man read this in any place, as touching any barbarous fury, that men should be killed and slain for honest marriage sake? If they allow the ancient Church, why do they not follow the first times? Do they think that either Ambrose or Augustine would have allowed of this cruelty in punishing the Innocent Persons? No sure, they utterly abhorred this beastly cruelty, and openly witnessed that these chief Bishops the Authors of this cruelty were not the members of the Church, but the Instruments of the Devil: and without all doubt the said Fathers, Ambrose and Augustine took upon them, the defence of Godly Ministers, women, children, and again of so many nations which are of affinity or liable unto this cause.
But why doe the Aduersaries lay for themselues the autority of the Churche,1 when as they contende not with vs, touching doctrine, nor touching Religion, but concerning their sensualities, and promotions, they will not haue theyr peaceable estate too be troubled? This is one and the onelye cause why they desire our subuersion. For there are certaine opinions more clearer then the Noone day. And yet because they would oppresse the same, they put in practize open ⟨p. 54⟩crueltie,2 they kill and sley the Godlie, learned and good men, yea and the Ministers of the Churche for marriage sake. Where shall a man reade this in any place, as touching any barbarous fury, that men shoulde be killed and slaine for honest marriage sake? If they allowe the auncient Churche, why doe they not followe the firste tymes? Doe they thinke that either Ambrose or Augustine woulde haue allowed of this crueltie in punishing the Innocent Persons? No sure, they vtterly abhorred this beastlie crueltie, and openlie witnessed that these chiefe Bishoppes the Autors of this crueltie were not the members of the Churche, but the Instrumentes of the Diuell: and without all doubte the saide Fathers, Ambrose and Augustine tooke vppon them, the defence of Godlie Ministers, women, children, and againe of so many nations which are of affinitie or liable vnto this cause.