A14462:27
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.
It is written in these canons, that the power and authority of the Popes is such, that they are able to dispense against the doctrine of the Apostles, against the right of nature, & consequently against the Gospel and word of God. &c. O horrible blasphemy. Christ commanded that none should add, or diminish from his word, his word must be our guide or Schoolmaster and instructor, and yet in these days the number will say, it is not for us to read the Scriptures, it appertaineth only to priests, Fryers and Monks to read & understand the scriptures, as though the kingdom of heaven belonged only to such: truly if y• they which live as it were in solitary life have need to be armed with the understanding of the Scriptures, to heal their wounds which they daily receive in the battle of this mortal life, being disburdened of a great number of cares, which he is charged with that is burdened with office of Magistrate or of rule in the common wealth, and also that he is charged with, that is burdened with wife, children & family: he that is in this sort burdened shall have more often occasion to offend the majesty of God, then he that is not so burdened, wherefore it is the more needful that he have his medicine prepared wherewith to heal his deadly wounds which he daily receiveth by mean of sundry occasions given unto him: which medicine is y• understanding of gods word, wherewith he may assuredly furnish himself against all temptations, as witnesseth the Psalmist saying: The words of the Lord are pure, even as the silver which from the earth is seven times tried & purified. Eusebius in his ecclesiastical history 16. book. 15. chap. allegeth the Epistle of Alexander bishop of Jerusalem, against Demetrius, & doth reprove him saying: That ⟨image 10⟩which thou sayest in thy letters, affirming that it was never seen, nor known, that secular & lay men should dispute of the 2faith in the presence of Bishops: I know not what hath moved thee to affirm so manifest a lye, for so much as when so ever any is found sufficient & meet to instruct and teach the people, the bishops have accustomed to desire them to take the matter in hand, So did our brother Neon Bishop, to Evelp•' in the city Larande, & the Bishop Celsus to Paulin in the city Iconie, & the Bishop Atticus to Theodore in the city Synnade: