A14462:237
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 praise is due to good princes & Magistrates, which employ them selves in the reformation of the Church, and what fruit it getteth by their labour and office, as well for the cause of the faithful, as of the hypocrites: and of the changes that happen in Religion, according to the princes that reign.
¶ VVhat prayse is due to good princes & Magistrates, which employ them selues in the reformation of the Church, and vvhat fruite it getteth by their labor and office, as vvell for the cause of the faithfull, as of the hypocrites: and of the chaunges that happen in Religion, accordyng to the princes that raygne.
T. I Say not the contrary, or otherwise, when the Church is troubled and scattered, we should reject the means, which God hath given to repair it: which we may not do without tempting of God. Wherefore I do very well allow the goodwill and diligence of such as travail faithfully in the procuring of a lawful Council, or Synods, such as are requisite in the Church of God: and I Judge those princes worthy of great praise, which according to the example of Hezekiah, 1and Josiah, do endeavour them selves to reform those Churches, that are within their liberties and countries. For albeit that many dwell still in their old skins, yet do they their duty, for their part. They glorify in their offices, they do assure & entertain the good in peace. They are a means to make strong those that are weak, and do discharge their ⟨p. 98⟩souls from the blood of such as perish through their own default, and not in that, that they have not done their duty. And therefore I deny not but that of lawful Councils, there cometh often times great profit, for a certain time, for the police and outward peace of the Church: but I say that they are not sufficient thoroughly to appease the troubles that are in Christendom, and to edify perfectly the inward man, & to quiet the conscience in deed, and to give it true quietness and assurance, if nothing else. They are unto the wicked as the authority of the sword and of the Magistrate, & may well stay their hands & feet, but they can not alter nor change