A14462:102
The first part of the Christian instruction, and general so[m]me of the doctrine, contained…The firste parte of the Christian instruction, and generall so[m]me of the doctrine, conteyned…
The first part of the Christian instruction, and general so[m]me of the doctrine, contained in the holy Scriptures wherein the principal points of the religion are familiarly handled by dialogues, very necessary to be read of all Christians. Translated into English, by John Shute, according to the late copy set forth, by th'author Master Peter Viret. 1565. Overseen and perused, according to the order appointed, by the Queens majesties injunctions.The firste parte of the Christian instruction, and generall so[m]me of the doctrine, conteyned in the holy Scriptures wherein the principall pointes of the religion are familiarly handled by dialogues, very necessary to be read of all Christians. Translated into Englishe, by Iohn Shute, accordyng to the late copy set forth, by th'author Maister Peter Viret. 1565. Ouersene and perused, accordyng to the order appointed, by the Queenes maiesties iniunctions.
London: printed by John Day, 1565London: printed by Iohn Day, 1565
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.
¶ Of the means by the which God hath, and doth declare himself daily to men.
¶ Of the meanes by the vvhich God hath, and doth declare himself dayly to men.
T. I Pray thee declare unto me somewhat particularly, by what means he doth this whereof thou speakest. D. First he doth it by the firmament, and by the earth, and by all his ⟨p. 28⟩creatures: which as continual preachers, never cease day, nor night, to preach unto us the knowledge & marvellous works of that same great God and prince their creator, even as David and S. Paul do witness. After that the great 1endeavour of so many Patriarchs, Prophets, Apostles and ancient Doctors, with a marvellous number of other good servants of God, who by their pure and holy doctrine, good life and conversation, have filled yt whole earth with the knowledge of God, and also do teach us at this present day by their holy writings. But what shall we say of the very son of God, who came into the world in proper person, to make this publication in the most solemn manner that ever was made in the world? And even at this present day, how many and sundry means hath God given us to be instructed by, either by the mouth of diverse which he sendeth unto us daily, or else by books written in all languages, sent forth into the world, to all nations and regions of the same, by his most marvellous providence, which thing shall make us all to be utterly without excuse. Wherefore we may well say with the Prophet: The people which 2are ignorant shall be beaten, and because that thou haste contemned and refused knowledge, I will contemn thee and cast thee from me also.