A07405:26
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 although it be needful, that this true church should be everlasting, because the kingdom of Christ endureth for ever, & it is written. I will remain with you until the end of the world: Mat. 28. Yet we must understand and know that this true church, doth not always flourish together in one place, but oftentimes becometh a very small Church, and afterwards again is restored by God when true teachers are sent thereunto:1 As in time of Noah; the church was in a narrow room & a congregation of a few persons.
And although it bee needful, that this true church should be euerlasting, bicause the kingdom of Christ endureth for euer, & it is writtē. I will remaine with you vntil the ende of the world: Mat. 28. Yet wee must vnderstand and know that this true church, doth not alwaies florish togither in one place, but oftentymes becommeth a very small Churche, and afterwardes againe is restored by God when true teachers are sent therevntoo:1 As in tyme of Noah; the church was in a narrowe rowme & a congregation of a fewe persons.
- 1The Church […] the first age of the world before the deluge.The Church 〈…〉 the first age of the world before the deluge.
So after the deluge, Melchizedek, which was the son of Shem, 1the son of Noah, retained the true doctrine: And when Idolatry increased amongest the Chaldees, & that the true doctrine of God was almost extinguished every where, God, by calling Abraham, renewed his Church. Afterwards the family of Abraham and a few of his earers became the Church, when as in mean time the Chaldees and Egyptians boasted themselves too be the posterity of the fathers, that they retained the examples of the fathers, and manner of worshipping God,