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:33–48 of 294

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Moreover it is said,¹ They shall work signs and wonders, that, if it may be possible, the very elect ones shall be deceived. 2. Thess. 2. There shall happen a departing from the faith, &c. Also Luke 18. Think you that when the Son of man cometh, he shall find faith upon earth? Again, in the 88. Psal. Hast thou made all men for nought? For, it is a complaint upon the decay of the Church in time to come.

Moreouer it is saide,¹ They shall woorke signes and wonders, that, if it may be possible, the very elect ones shall bee deceaued. 2. Thess. 2. There shall happen a departing from the fayth, &c. Also Luke 18. Thinke you that when the Sonne of man commeth, he shal finde fayth vpon earth? Againe, in the 88. Psal. Hast thou made al men for nought? For, it is a complaint vpon the decay of the Church in tyme to come.

1The Church of the latter age.

:34p. 5

These sayings do witness, although it be needful,¹ that the Church be preserved, notwithstanding in the latter age especially that it is little or a company of a few persons which are despised and abject in this life, as S. Paul saith, Not many wise, not many mighty men. &c. 1. Cor. 1.

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