A14461:827
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.
Thomas. How hath y• ben possible? If it be so as you say, I am greatly abashed how y• could be done.
Theophilus. It hath taken as good effect among the superstitious Christians, as among y• paynims. For even as ⟨p. 164⟩the Paynims & hypocrites, have ben the Apes of the Patriarchs 1Prophets and true servants of God, so have those been here. For all that which the Paynims did, did seem to have some colour and imitation of the law which God gave unto his people. For that which they sacrificed in the mountains, that they caused the children to pass through the fire, & sacrificed them unto Moloch, and the washings that they had, did seem to be taken of the custom of the ancient Patriarchs, and of the people of Israel, after that sort as the Turks do 2follow them at this day: who do spend and bestow a great part of the time, about such washings and Ceremonies. But there is great difference. For although they follow somewhat in outward appearance, the works of the ancient servants of God, yet nevertheless 3they fail greatly, in that that they do it without the commandment of God, following only their foolish fantasy and opinion: And they do it not in such faith, to such intent, and with such a spirit, as they did. For they did them to render obedience unto the commandment of GOD, the which 4was unto him a sacrifice more agreeable, then the Ceremony, which for that end was ordained: Now these here cannot serve God by such obedience, sith that they have no commandment: But they do offend through disobedience, despising the means that he hath commanded, and choosing others contrary unto his will. Furthermore the true Israelites did not think to be purified by those outward things, but had regard only unto the blood of Jesus Christ, by them represented: And they trusted but only in the mercy of God. But those eere do attribute the virtue unto the outward work, and to the creature, saying that such Ceremonies, and Sacraments, have efficacy by the virtue of the work done: Or if thou lovest rather in their naturall language. Ex virtute operis operati.