A14462:183
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 reasons which cause many to desire & wait for a Council: and of the trouble that the difference which is in Christendom in matters of Religion, doth bring to simple and ignorant consciences.
Of the reasōs vvhich cause many to desire & vvait for a Councel: and of the trouble that the difference vvhich is in Christendome in matters of Religion, doth bryng to simple and ignoraunt consciences.
Daniel. Timothy.
Daniel. Timothe.
D. Thou dost well remember where we left, as touching those that wait for a Council. T. Yea in deed. D. Will these men tarry to believe in God, to serve him, and to enquire of his will, until the time ⟨p. 69⟩that the Council hath ben holden, and that it hath determined what order of life we should follow? T. It seemeth that these men take their foundation, of that which thou hast said, that if they should serve God truly, it were first requisite to be well instructed and assured of his will. D. Wherefore do they not then forthwith and withal diligence enquire thereof? why do they then tarry for a Council? T. Because they say, that in so great diversity of opinions, as at this present day, is in Christendom, in matters of Religion, they know not which to follow in surety. For they see that some teach after one sort, & the others after an other: & that there is often times as great contrariety of opinions, as between white and black, and between fire and water. That which one alloweth, an other disalloweth: that which one holdeth for Christian doctrine, and for true service of God, an other condemneth it as heresy, or else as superstition, hypocrisy, Idolatry, and Apostasy. And besides this, there are of both sides personages of great appearance, great understanding and great authority, according to the judgement of the world: notwithstanding the multitude is far greater of the one side, then of the other: men hear their discourses, men read their writings & books, there are goodly reasons of both parts, which every of them endeavoureth to prove and confirm by the holy Scriptures, and by all means possible. In this cause, what shall a poor man do, which feareth to offend God, and hath a good desire to serve him, according to his will, but he may not well attain to the knowledge thereof, because that which the one sayeth is the will of God, the other saith it is not the will of God.