A14462:185
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.
¶ Howe that the difference that is in Christendom, in matters of Religion, should not stay men from the diligent enquiry of the will of GOD, but should rather provoke them thereunto.
¶ Hovve that the difference that is in Christendome, in matters of Religion, should not stay men from the diligent enquirie of the vvyl of GOD, but shoulde rather prouoke them thereunto.
T. I Confess that these differences, which are in Christendom, engender great trouble in the poor consciences ⟨p. 70⟩of many: but that ought not at all to let them to enquire by all means possible, of the will of God, and to employ them selves with all speed possible to serve him: but they should the more earnestly be moved, and provoked to do it, to rid them selves, with as much speed, as they might out of such troubles. For why, least they tarry in it, if they have any fear of God, in what trouble shall they live: and what quietness may they ever have in their consciences. I for my part should think that I were in hell, if I should long live in such estate, without having some thing certain, and resolved in my mind, whereunto I might assuredly stay. T. For this they require a Council: for they think there will be there men of greater judgement then they are, by whose means the matter shall be so debated and examined, that there shall be a general, and a sure determination, through the which every man may be out of scruple and doubt, and may know whereunto to trust. D. It seemeth unto me, that their hope is very slender, if they have no better hope then this. I may not deny but their desire is good, we all ought to desire the same, if there were any hope to see it come to pass, & that with speed: for the sooner it were, yt better, because it is much more dangerous to delay or defer the medicining of the soul: than of the body, for if the medicine of the body come not in time to him that is sick, that sick person is not in danger, but only of his bodily life: but if the medicine of y soul be to long deferred, there is danger of eternal death: wherefore, I do greatly fear, that many do perish, in tarrying for those medicines. T. There is much to be feared, and also to be doubted in this matter.