A14462:161
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.
¶ How we ought to judge of that, where God forbiddeth us to do that which seemeth good in our own opinion: and of the assurance of our consciences by the word of God, without the which nothing can please God that man can do.
¶ Hovv vve oughte to iudge of that, vvhere God forbyddeth vs to doe that vvhich semeth good in our ovvne opinion: and of the assuraunce of our consciences by the vvorde of God, vvithout the vvhi•he nothyng can please God that man can doe.
T. IF he will that we do not that which we think to be good, what shall we then do? That which we think to be evil? D. He doth not at all forbid us to do that which we think to be good, if it be good in deed, but for so much as of our own nature we are ignorance and blind, and that oftentimes we take darkness for light, and light for darkness, the good for evil, and the evil for good, the sweet for sour, and the sour for sweet: he will not that we govern our selves according to our own fantasies, but hath given us an order, to the end that we might ⟨p. 59⟩perfectly discern these things, and not to take the one for the other: which is not possible for us to do of our selves, without the mean that he hath given us. And for that cause he sayeth, thou shalt do only that which I do command thee. Wherefore it doth follow that what so ever 1man doth, can not please God, unless he be assured that GOD hath commanded and ordained it, and can not do it without doing great wrong and violating the commandment of God. For first of all, none can please him without faith. And secondarily, faith can not be faith, without an undoubted assurance. And certain assurance can not be, but in the word of God. For how can I be assured that God alloweth this, and disalloweth that, but by the understanding of his will, which I can not have but by the declaration thereof, which he hath by his word? On