A14461:53
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.
For there is none of a good 1judgement, but that he understandeth very well that in the phrase of writing there is no greater liberty and licence in Poetry, then Dialogues and talks. For they must bring in the persons speaking according to him whom they represent: who oftentimes do speak more after their sense and of the persons whom they do jest at, then according or after the same of the author. Although that the author hath willingly used to choose some one by whom he giveth to understand what is his opinion, and the best sentence. Therefore I have brought in four men of divers qualities 2and opinions, and do make them to speak according to the matters which are talked off at this day among men, and according to the nature and affection of every one of them. I have brought in one as a man very devout and searing ⟨image 22⟩God, which nevertheless is yet altogether wrapped in superstition and error, and maintaineth mans traditions, but not wilfully. I have brought in an other, which is not yet fully assured and set down neither on the one side nor on the other, but is troubled in his conscience, and knoweth not very well whom to believe, but runneth on the one side and •n the other, and yet nevertheless desireth to know the truth, and he enquireth and knoweth already many abuses: wherefore he speaketh a little more joyfully, and careth not so much for mans traditions, and is not so affectioned after them, nor so severe as the first, who is yet altogether rooted in these old superstitions. Afterwards cometh one, who representeth the person of a grave & honest man, & skilful in y• heavenly and human letters. which speaketh daily with great honour and reverence of the word of God and absolveth the questions and matters alleged of the one side and of the other, according to the sentences of the holy Scriptures, and ancient Ecclesiastical Doctors. And for the fourth there is one which is a little more talkative then this, and a little more given to speak freely against the abuses, but he doth it with more greater modesty & honesty, then the Caphards do speak against the ministers, and lovers of the truth.
For ther is none of a good