A07407:124
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.
¶ The fourth question.
AS concerning the diversity of sin: when we say that the dregs of the old sin remaineth in us after our new birth, and Faith also, it is necessary that we make a distinction of sin, because that no man shall think that adultery and such other devilish abominations can be in place where Faith is. In my book of common places I have written large, as touching deadly and denial sin. Wherefore now briefly I will show & teach the reader thereof. When we be ones justified by Faith: then must the justice of our good conscience in good works follow and appear of necessity. This thing doth the teaching and doctrine of Christ teach and command often times openly, and Paul the first epistle and first chapter to Timothy. The whole sum of the commandment is a perfect love from a pure heart, and ⟨p. lxiii⟩from a good conscience, and from a faith not feigned. It followeth in the said chapter, see that thou doest fight a good fight, having Faith and a good conscience. Also the second epistle to the Corinthians and the first chapter. This is our glory and rejoice the witness and testimony of our conscience. And the first epistle of John the .iii. chapter. If our heart doth not condemn us, we have a good trust and confidence to god ward Whereby we are taught that they can not call and make their invocation on God, which have their intent to break his commandment against their conscience. Also the first Epistle of Peter and .iii. chapter. With all soberness and fear, having a good conscience. And to the Galatians the .v. chapter. The works of the flesh are manifest, adultery, whore hunting, worshipping of forbid things, which is Idolatry. They which so do shall not inherit the kingdom of heaven. Therefore he calleth them manifest, because he condemneth all ye wetting and with their knowledge do commit any thing of these against their conscience. Wherefore Paul to the Romans viii. chapter doeth make a distinction of sin saying. If you do live after the flesh you shall perish and dye. If you