A07405:38
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These testimonies have I cited too that end, that we may first consider, what the Church is: and that the mind be withdrawn from carnal opinions, which imagine that the Church is the policy or constitution of the Bishops, and do tie the same unto the ordinary succession of Bishops,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,2 not by ordinary succession, S. Paul doth witness the same. Ephes. 4. He hath given gifts unto men, 3that the Apostles Prophets. &c For, he teacheth, that, that is properly the Church, wherein Christ is effectual worker, and giveth true Teachers. Therefore, when ⟨image 14⟩as the name of the Church and the authority thereof is objected unto us:4 Let us first consider, whether mention be made of the true Church, either else of the multitude of Bishops, and the politic succession thereof: neither let us suffer our selves to be terrified or discouraged from the word of God, under a false pretence of the name of the Church.
These testimonies haue I cited too that ende, that wee may firste consider, wwhat the Church is: and that the minde bee withdrawen from carnall opinions, which imagine that the Church is the pollicie or constitution of the Bishoppes, and doe tie the same vnto the ordinary succession of Bishoppes, as the states of gouernment doe consist in the ordinary succession of the Princes.1 But it goeth otherwise with the Church: For this is a multitude not tyed vntoo ordinary succession, but vnto the woorde of GOD. There is the Churche renewed, where God restoreth doctrine and giueth his holy spirite. And that Churches are thus to be gouerned and preserued,