A07405:90
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.
But afterwards it grew to an intolerable yoke, and superstition thereby increased, and the free remission of sins, was by means hereof obscured and darkened. Wherefore; in this matter, the fathers of this Council were not circumspect enough: And ⟨p. 15⟩seeing that the event so manifested afterwards,1 that superstitions did hereby increase, let us not in his behalf so marvel at the doing of that Council,2 that we will either allow, or restore these Canons as profitable for the Church.
But afterwardes it grewe to an intollerable yoake, and superstition therby increased, and the free remission of sinnes, was by meanes heereof obscured and darkened. Wherfore; in this matter, the fathers of this Councel were not circumspect ynough: And ⟨p. 15⟩seing that the euent so manifested afterwards,1 that superstitions did hereby encrease, let vs not in his behalfe so maruel at the dooing of that Councel,2 that wee wil eyther allowe, or restore these Canons as profitable for the Churche.
- 1Fathers faulty.
- 2Canons of repentance.
Neither, do we therefore differ in opinion from the ancient Church: we retain in our Church the articles of the Council, touching doctrine, which properly belong unto the church. As for the other ceremonies, which either are beside, or against the word of God, they do nothing at all pertain unto the church.