A14462:121
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 Judgement of the Christian doctrine, and of those by whom it must be reported, & of the princes duty in that behalf, and of the fault of those that in the same, despise the Counsel of the servants of God.
¶ Of the Iudgement of the Christian doctrine, and of those by vvhom it must be reported, & of the princes duety in that behalfe, and of the faulte of those that in the same, despise the Councell of the seruauntes of God.
T. I Do fear also that there be many that trust to much in matters of Religion, to those that falsely name themselves to be of the Church, as Prelates and Pastors of the Church, and that it fareth with them, even as it doth with those that commit wholly their souls, and consciences into the hands of their Curates and Prelates. D. It is certain that in all states there are some that think of religion as they do of some science or handy craft. Wherefore when there happeneth any controversy, they think that the knowledge thereof doth in no wise appertain to them, but that it is enough for them to commit the deciding of the matter into the hands of the masters of the occupation, and them to give their sentence, ⟨p. 36⟩according to the report that those men shall make, and to esteem done and concluded, what soever they conclude. T. It seemeth to me that their opinion is not very evil. For who can better judge of an art, or occupation, then the masters thereof? Were it not a great presumption for any man, to take upon him to judge of that, which he neither understandeth nor knoweth? D. This that thou sayest, is not all together void of appearance: but here must we take good heed, that no man be deceived, for sith that here is the question, whether that men of occupation, shall judge of things appertaining to their occupation, thou must then understand, that •p man can truly judge of the Christian doctrine, but such as are true Christians: for no man can understand the heavenly language, and the language of God, but only the children of God, and those that are heavenly, and not earthly. Wherefore I do more esteem, the judgement of a simple labourer, being one of the elect of god, and regenerate by his holy spirit, then that of all the Popes, Bishops, Priests, Philosophers and Doctors, which shall be infidels or hypocrites, for such are not of the occupation whereof we speak. And as touching that which thou sayest, that I do not allow the counsel or act of a prince, if he take in hand to do any thing of his own head, in matter of Religion, without asking at the mouth of the Lord, and taking advise & coū cell of him, by the help of those, unto whom he hath given special charge to open, and make manifest his will unto men, and to declare his law unto them.