A14462:199
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 negligence and want that is in the ministers of the church, and generally in all other estates, whereby the reformation of the church is hindered.
¶ Of the negligence and vvante that is in the ministers of the church, and generally in all other estates, wherby the reformation of the church is hindred.
T. What is the cause thereof? D. Every man in his calling, for oftentimes it is seen that the Ministers are negligent in their ministry, and do not call upon the magistrates and people, exhorting them to execute their offices uprightly and sincerely, as they ought to do: for often times it is seen that they them selves do as much or more fear a reformation, then others do. And if there be default and negligence in those men, which should be a light unto ⟨p. 77⟩others, let us then well weigh what may be found in the magistrates and people. For there are very few which on their part fear not a reformation, and desire not at all to frame it according to the rule of the word of God, to direct their lives and manners according to the same: but rather to make the word of God subject to them, and to have a reformation according to their own will & pleasure. And from whence cometh all this: but only from an evil conscience and of a disordinate desire that is in men, of a carnal liberty, and of a manifest rebellion against God? For they will not have God to reign over them, but they will live and reign at their pleasure. They can not endure to have their naughty affections, and dissolute manners to be bridled, and the abuse of their estates corrected, and their tyranny suppressed by the word of God. They bestir them on every side by all means possible, and employ all their forces to caste of: the yoke of the Lord, to the end they will not be subject to him: and consider not in the mean time that in refusing to yield unto God that obedience which they owe unto him: they rest subjects to the devil, and become daily more and more his slaves: for they had rather to reign by the devil, and the devil to reign in them, than to live and reign by God, and God to reign in them and over them. Wherefore we may well say of them altogether, that which S. Paul did of the ministers of his time, at which time the word of God did give fruit in other sort then now it doth. Every one sayeth