A07405:292
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 from my heart I wish, that Politic men which ought and are able too help the Church, would consider the greatness of these duties. Let them have an eye unto their posterity: For whom as they have a desire to leave a well ordained common wealth,1 so much more ought they deliver true knowledge of God, uncorrupt religion, sincere doctrine of the Gospel, and after this manner well governed Churches. Like as Paul writing unto Timothy saith thus, commanding him, Faithfully to keep that which is committed unto him, that the same may come whole and uncorrupt unto the posterity. With this care nothing at all we see the Bishops of Rome, either Bishops of their affinity, either any Monks or Canons to be any way moved,2 but they contend touching worldly wealth and promotions which they would have,3 not touching. Doctrine. Therefore let others in school, and government of Cities take this care in hand. This sacrifice especially doth God require of all men, as Peter saith, We are called to the ⟨image 77⟩end we should celebrate the benefits of God towards us 2. Pet. 1.
And from my heart I wish, that Politike men which ought and are able too helpe the Churche, would consider the greatnes of these dueties. Let them haue an eye vnto their posterity: For whom as they haue a desire to leaue a well ordained common wealth,1 so much more ought they deliuer true knowledge of God, vncorrupte religion, sincere doctrine of the Gospel, and after this maner well gouerned Churches. Like as Paule writing vnto Timothy saith thus, commaunding him, Faithfuly to kepe that which is committed vnto him, that the same may come whole and vncorrupt vnto the posterity. VVith this care nothing at al we see the Bishops of Rome, either Bishoppes of theyr affinity, either any Monkes or Chanons to be any way mooued,2