A10250:6
Propositions and principles of divinity propounded and disputed in the university of GenevaPropositions and principles of diuinitie propounded and disputed in the vniuersitie of Geneua
Propositions and principles of divinity propounded and disputed in the university of Geneva, by certain students of divinity there, under M. Theod. Beza, and M. Anthony Faius ... Wherein is contained a methodical summary, or epitome of the common places of divinity. Translated out of Latin into English, to the end that the causes, both of the present dangers of that Church, and also of the troubles of those that are hardly dealt with else-where, may appear in the English tongue.Propositions and principles of diuinitie propounded and disputed in the vniuersitie of Geneua, by certaine students of diuinitie there, vnder M. Theod. Beza, and M. Anthonie Faius ... Wherein is contained a methodicall summarie, or epitome of the common places of diuinitie. Translated out of Latine into English, to the end that the causes, both of the present dangers of that Church, and also of the troubles of those that are hardlie dealt vvith els-vvhere, may appeare in the English tongue.
Edinburgh: printed by Robert Waldegrave, 1591Edinburgh: printed by Robert Waldegraue, 1591
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.
TO THE RENOWNED AND NOBLE LORD, THE LORD NICHOLAS, EARLE of Ostrorog, &c.
TO THE RENOVMED AND NOBLE LORD, THE LORD NICHOLAS, EARLE of Ostrorog, &c.
IT hath been long since the complaint of very many, that those whom they call the Schoolmen and Disputers, have given the studies of the holy Scriptures, not only a great stroke, but even a deaths wound. And therefore it will seem wonderful, it may be unto some, that the custom of disputing touching divine matters, is retained in these Churches and Schools, which are reformed according to the pure word of God▪ For to dispute of every matter (will some say) is blame-worthy, neither can it be lawful to call every thing into question: but only such matters, as being doubtful and uncertain in their own nature, may be argued one both sides, according as the opinions and judgements of men do vary and disagree: of which sort there are many things in Philosophy, which do so move the minds of men with a kind of probability, that it may be justly doubted, whether the things be as they seem or no. But Divinity is grounded upon such a sure and certain foundation, that there is no place left therein unto doubting and questioning. For he himself spake, that is not PYTHAGORAS, but JEHOVAH by his Prophets and Apostles in his word written by them, teaching ⟨image 3⟩therein, the only truth of those matters, which neither eye hath seen, ear hath heard, nor ever entered into the heart of man, and which they whom God loveth, and who love him again, do obtain of the merciful Lord, not by reasoning, but by believing and leading an holy life. This reason hath so prevailed, that many godly & grave men, have either from their hearts as being of this judgement, or for some other cause abstained, from this course of disputing touching divine matters. For godliness say they, is to be taught and learned according unto the plain and simple manner of Fishermen, and not by the subtleties of ARISTOTLE: and that doubting of the ACADEMICS (who as AUGUSTINE saith) hold that men are to be without all hope of finding the truth, being an opinion, that maketh men wavering and changeable, ready to hold any thing, and to bear any face and countenance, is to be utterly removed from the Church: whereunto you may add as the Apostle admonisheth us, that we take heed lest any man spoil us by philosophy: