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

Hillarius. It is most true, that those ancient fathers would have driven away the superstition by such inventions, as we do drive out a pin with one other pin. But they were not much profitable unto the Church.

Hillarius. It is most true, that those auncient fathers would haue driuen away the superstition by such inuentions, as wée do driue out a pinne with one other pinne. But they were not muche profitable vnto the Church.

Theophilus. After that manner came the custom to make commemoration of the dead in the ecclesiastical assembles and in the celebration of the supper, over and beside the causes before alleged. And afterwards by little and little, the superstition hath begun, and is augmented unto this which we do now see it. We have no example ¹in all the holy Scripture, that the Apostles have done any thing of this. About the time of Tertullian and of Cyprian, there was no question neither of Purgatory, nor of prayers nor offerings, for to deliver the souls, but such which we have seen. About the time of Ambrose and Augustine, the superstition did begin very much to take root and to increase, insomuch that in ⟨image 187⟩stead of simple commemorations, giving of thanks, and exhortations, which they made in celebrating the memory of the dead, they had already begun to dispute, that the prayers did profit them: and that the ²question of Purgatory was already begun to be stirred up. For it is very easy for men, yea, the most sage and wisest, to fall into superstition, because that it is natural unto us, and chiefly about the dead, by reason of an affection and love that we do bear unto our parents and friends, whom we cannot forget, although they be absent from us, but we do abide and continue always affectioned towards them, as though we might greatly aid them, yea, many times more after they be dead then before when they were alive. From thence it cometh that we are so much inclined to invent and receive every thing that we think may serve them. And although in deed it serveth them to no end, yet nevertheless we cannot refrain our selves, because that. we think that we do feel comfort and satisfaction to our affection, judging the affection of the dead, after our own, our dealings is fowardes them, as towards God. What is the original and beginning of all Idolatry, but our foolish fantasy and affection, by the which we do measure God, thinking that