A14462:164
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 error of those that think that the works which they do contrary to the vvill of God, are yet notwithstā ding agreeable to him, because that they do them in a good intent.
¶ Of the errour of those that thinke that the vvorkes vvhich they do contrary to the vvill of God, are yet notvvithstā ding agreable to him, because that they do them in a good intent.
T. But what wilt thou say of those, that doing things contrary to the will of God, do assure them selves that they are agreeable to God, and ordained by him. For there are many of that opinion, in manner all such as are superstitious and idolaters are of that judgement, and almost all the heretics, which do all that ever they do in a good intent, if we shall judge of their conscience. For if they thought not that their religion did please God, many would refuse it, which seem yet to have some fear of God. D. I answer to that, that GOD is not subject to our fantasies, and that he will judge nothing to be good or evil, because it pleaseth, or displeaseth us, and because that we do so judge of it: but because the thing is so of his own nature, and that he himself hath so judged of it, and hath commanded or forbidden it, or ells all superstition, and idolatry, heresy, and wickedness: should be lawful. For there is no wickedness nor abomination so great, which in the opinion of many, is not holden for a good and an honest thing, or at the least not evil. But how many heretics, people and nations are there, which have esteemed things to be good and honest, which are the most strange and abominable, that may be thought or imagined? How many have there been also that have had the most unjust laws of the whole world, which they have no less esteemed then be the best and most just that are? T. The matter is plain. D. Moreover, do we think that GOD will endure at our hands, that which we our selves will not endure at the hands of our servants? Would we be contented to have a servant to serve us after his own will and fantasy?