A07407:122
The justification of man by faith onlyThe iustification of man by faith only
The justification of man by faith only: made and written by Philip Melanchthon. and translated out of the Latin in to this our mother tongue by Nicholas Less of London An apology or defence of the word of God, declaring what a necessary thing it is, to be in all mens hands, the want where of is the only cause of all ungodliness committed through the whole earth, made by the said Nicholas LessThe iustification of man by faith only: made and vvritten by Phylyp Melanchton. and translated out of the Latyn in to this oure mother tonge by Nicholas Lesse of London An apologie or defence of the worde of God, declaringe what a necessary thynge it is, to be in all mennes handes, the want wher of is the only cause of al vngodlienes committed thorowe the whole earth, made by the sayde Nicholas Lesse
Imprinted at London : In Fleet street at the sign of the George next to Saint Dunstones church by William Powell, in the year of our Lord God .M.CCCCC.XLVIII. the .XI. day of October 1548Imprinted at London : In Flete strete at the signe of the George next to Saynt Dunstones church by VVilliam Powell, in the yere of oure Lorde God .M.CCCCC.XLVIII. the .XI. daye of October 1548
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.
¶ FOR as much therefore as our new obedience is pleasant and acceptable to God as I have showed you: although that the life everlasting is given freely for Christ his sake, yet he doeth recompense our labours, deeds,1 and troubles sustained for his sake, as he doeth testify, pour reward is great in heaven. And notwithstanding that of just merit they deserve not life everlasting, yet they deserve other rewards both corporal and spiritual. For the Lord intending to maintain and preserve his church doth liberally give and distribute many corporal benefits, as maintaining life with living competent, giving also a civil peace and tranquillity, with other things necessary and profitable for thꝭ life. We have also need of spiritual benefits, as wisdom, learning, strength, good success to every man in his calling Therefore Christ said, first seek the kingdom of god, and then all thing shall be thrown to you. Paul saith also, that pitifulness and charity hath her promises both in this present life and in that other to come. Mark the .10. chap. He ⟨image 61⟩shall receive an hundredfold more in this life, but not without persecution. The fourth precept saith that thou mayest live long on the earth. And Christ saith, give you and you shall receive again. Math x. He that giveth but a cup of water to one of these for the doctrine, he shall not lose his reward. Every where in the Prophets promises of corporal and spiritual benefits are contained,2 as Isaiah 33. speaking of the good and virtuous sort. Bread shall be given to them, and they shall see their king flourish: they shall lack no food, their commonwealth shall prosper and be quiet:3 The widow Sarepton received into her house the prophet Ely, when there was great scarcity of victuals. In the which deed, first the faith of the woman, secondly her work and third her great reward are to be noted and marked. The Prophet commanded her to give to him some meat, if she had any left, adding thereto a promise as the history declareth. The woman gave to him for to eat, when she had no more in her house for her self. This woman would not have extended to so great liberality, if she had not ben of a strong Faith, thinking first that God must be obeyed, and the Prophet succoured, and so did look after the reward