A14461:1340
The Christian disputations, by Master Peter Viret. Divided into three parts, dialogue wiseThe Christian disputations, by Master Peter Viret. Deuided into three partes, dialogue wise
The Christian disputations, by Master Peter Viret. Divided into three parts, dialogue wise: set out with such grace, that it cannot be, but that a man shall take great pleasure in the reading thereof. Translated out of French into English, by John Brooke of AsheThe Christian disputations, by Master Peter Viret. Deuided into three partes, dialogue wise: set out with such grace, that it cannot be, but that a man shall take greate pleasure in the reading thereoff. Translated out of French into English, by Iohn Brooke of Ashe
London: printed by Thomas East, 1579
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.
Hillarius. Sith that there is an allegory, and that your Doctors do play so with the word of God, I will also play and jest with them. First, although there were none other reason, but that you will hear build the Purgatory upon an allegory, it is sufficient enough, for to overthrow and pull down all your foundation. For there is not a Theologian 1which confesseth not but that the Allegories are not sufficient for probation and confirmation of doctrine, whatsoever it be, if it have none other foundation, more clearer and more plain in the word of God: but is more proper and fit for to beautify and set out the matters, to delight and move the auditors and hearers, then for to prove and confirm it. For one may expound them after diverse manners, according to the dexterity and wit of him which declareth them. And therefore if I would jest and play with the word of GOD, as your Doctors do. I might allegorise 2and declare that place, expounding the Judge ⟨p. 269⟩for the Pope, which is the God Pluto. The adversary for the Priests. For they do quarrel with us always for to get money from us, and we can never be at one, and agreed with them, except they have all, and that they have eaten us quick and dead. The Sergeant that is the Angel and the God Mercury. For according to the Poetical 3Theology, he had wings and •aryed the souls to hell, and was the God of gain, of deceits & larcenies as already hath been touched. Now who leadeth the souls into Purgatory, but that Sergeant here of God Pluto? As the cause of the gain and hope of the money and ransom which our Merchants and adverse parties do look for? They would gladly that we should agree with them whilst that we are in the way, in this present life: and that we should distribute unto them all our goods, without leaving any thing, neither to our children, parents, nor friends. I am very certain, that after that we have given them all, and that there is no more hope to get any more ransom of us, that there shall be no more prison for us, nor Sergeants for to lead us thither. Doest thou think Eusebius, that my interpretation is not as good as thine? I am well assured, that as to the sense and meaning of the words of Jesus Christ, neither the one nor the other approacheth nigh unto it, and less thine then mine: