A07405:37
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.
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.
These sayinges doe witnesse, although it be needefull,1 that the Churche bee preserued, notwithstanding in the latter age especially that it is little or a companie of a few persons which are despised and abiect in this life, as S. Paule saith, Not many wise, not many mightie men. &c. 1. Cor. 1.
- 1The Church ought in the latter age especially to be cared for and preserved.The Churche ought in the la•ter age especial•ly to be cared for and preserued.
These testimonies have I cited too that end, that we may first consider, what the Church is: and that the mind be withdrawn from carnal opinions, which imagine that the Church is the policy or constitution of the Bishops, and do tie the same unto the ordinary succession of Bishops, as the states of government do consist in the ordinary succession of the Princes.1 But it goeth otherwise with the Church: For this is a multitude not tied unto ordinary succession, but unto the word of GOD. There is the Church renewed, where God restoreth doctrine and giveth his holy spirit. And that Churches are thus to be governed and preserved,