A14350:158
The Common Places
The common places of the most famous and renowned divine Doctor Peter Martyr divided into four principal parts: with a large addition of many theological and necessary discourses, some never extant before. Translated and partly gathered by Anthony Marten, one of the sewers of her Majesties most honourable chamber.The common places of the most famous and renowmed diuine Doctor Peter Martyr diuided into foure principall parts: with a large addition of manie theologicall and necessarie discourses, some neuer extant before. Translated and partlie gathered by Anthonie Marten, one of the sewers of hir Maiesties most honourable chamber.
Imprinted at London : In Pater noster Rowe, by Henry Denham and Henry Middleton at the costs and charges of Henry Denham, Thomas Chard, William Broome, and Andrew Maunsell, 1583Imprinted at London : In Pater noster Rovve, by Henry Denham and Henry Middleton at the costs and charges of Henrie Denham, Thomas Chard, VVilliam Broome, and Andrew Maunsell, 1583
No title page in the transcription: set from the catalogue record.
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 Chapter. Of Visions; and how, and how much God may be known of men. Out of the book of Judges the 6. chapter, vers. 22.
The fourth Chapter. Of Visions; and how, and how much God may bee knowne of men. Out of the booke of Iudges the 6. chapter, vers. 22.
1Now the place it self putteth us in remembrance to speak some thing of visions, and in what sort and how much God may be seen of men. But least that this place should be passed over without either method or order, I will set forth certain distinctions, which I think to be needful. And first it is supposed, 2that the knowledge of God is offered unto the senses or understanding: or else we think that it is granted by nature, either else by some prerogative and revelation, beyond the course of nature. And besides this, the knowledge of the substance, nature, and (as I may say) the very essence or being of God, differeth from that which consisteth of tokens, arguments, testimonies, & signs of the presence of God. Lastly, we are to speak either of that knowledge of God, which is expedient for this life; or else of that only, which is looked for in the world to come. Wherefore I will begin with the outward senses: & as touching the knowledge of them, thus I affirm: that the nature, substance, 3and essence of God cannot be reached unto by the senses. Forsomuch as those things which be perceivable by the senses, have no affinity with God, but are a marvellous distance from him; and to say the very truth, the qualities which be of a certain kind, and are numbered among things accidental, do stir up the knowledge of the senses: whereunto since that God, who is most pure, is not subject, it is not possible that he should be known by the senses. And that this is true, it is understood by the certain experience, that every man taketh of his own mind. For it is most certainly true,