A14462:186
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.
¶ What profit the Church of God may receive of Councils, and of their issue.
¶ VVhat profite the Churche of God may receaue of Councelles, and of theyr issue.
D. The Synods & lawful Councils, is one of the best remedies that men may have, to take away controversies in religion, ⟨p. 71⟩it is the remedy whereunto in like cases yt Apostles & their true successors, & all yt ancient church, have oftentimes had their recourse: for albeit that the Councils, have no authority nor power to give unto the church any new doctrine nor yet to forge any new articles of faith, but only to hold & maintain y• doctrine, which is revealed by the holy Scriptures, & yet notwithstanding they serve to great purpose, in so much that they be as public witnesses unto it, to succour the infirmity of the simple & weak, & also such as shall come after us, by the confession which is made of the same by them, & by the public testification y• there is declared, by the perpetual consent of the Church, of the doctrine of the Prophets & Apostles. But although the Councils be ordained to this end, & that the ancients have had more rule of them selves & better means, much more meet for such a purpose, then we have at this present: yet notwithstanding they could never obtain that in their Councils, which they desired. And such untowardness was there, that they did alway not only not appease the differences, & abolish schisms, & heresies which troubled the Church, but oftentimes even there right many new did spring, & have ben afterward from time to time increased: if it were needful to prove it by examples, it were easy to do, but we will not now enter into such matter. I will content me for this time, to allege only touching this matter, that testimony ye Gregory Nazianzen (which was Master to S. Hierom) did give, writing to Procopius of the Councils of his time, which were nothing so corrupted as are those of our time: if I must needs, saith he, write the truth, I have determined to refuse all the Councils of Bishops. For I have found the issue of no one Synod good, or rather that they have more increased the evil, then quenched it. Here is the judgement of Nazianzene, touching this matter.