A14462:170
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 causes of the diversity of the positive laws, and of the difference, that is between those laws, which are given as touching corporal things, and those which do appertain to spiritual things.
¶ Of the causes of the diuersitie of the positiue lavves, and of the difference, that is betvvene those lavves, vvhiche are gyuen as touchyng corporall thinges, and those whiche do appertayne to spirituall thinges.
D. There are many reasons, to answer this question & difficulty. For the first, it is no marvel if there be great diversity, yea and often times manifest contrariety, and imperfection in mans law. For the men which make them, are changeable and inconstant. And for so much as oftentimes they may fail, either through ignorance, or else by being ruled by their affections, it is often times seen that their latter laws do correct their first. T. But often times it is seen contrary, and that the latter are worse then the first, and that they do abolish others, which are better then they are. D. So much the worse is it, but there may ⟨p. 63⟩no such thing be found in god. And beside that we may not judge of spiritual and heavenly things, as we do of corporal and earthly things. For we daily see by experience, that there are many laws in the policy, which if they were accepted generally in all countries, were as unmeet & would as greatly hurt in some, as they do profit in others. And for this cause, God would not make subject the other nations, nor yet the Christians unto all those laws, which he did give to the people of Israel, but hath left it to all mens choice, conditionally that this liberty be always measured by the con pass of his will, and eternal and unchangeable law, whereof we will here after speak. For these laws have regard to our body and goods, and to the conservation of the society of man, in the which it can not be, but that there most be great diversity, because they are made of diverse qualities, and are subject to diverse changes, wherefore it is required that the law giver have respect to the ability, commodity or incommodity, of those people with whom he hath to do, & to the times and places wherein he doth establish them. But it is far otherwise with the soul, & with those things that properly appertain unto the same. For it is not compounded of such a substance, as is the body. And therefore is not subject to such changes and diversities, & the things that belong unto her, are not for a time, but are eternal. And therefore, it must needs be, that those laws which are given unto the soul, must have a further regard, in that they must needs be of a longer continuance.