A14462:295
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 liberty Christians have to reform the abuses that are among them, according to the power and authority which God hath given them.
¶ VVhat lihertie Christians haue to reforme the abuses that are among them, accordyng to the povver and authoritye vvhich God hath geuen them.
T. They will confess that there are many things (as it hath been already said) which may be changed and abolished according as necessity shall require: as we have 1example in the Council of Jerusalem holden by the Apostles, as hath ben heretofore declared. There were things that were ordained but for a certain time, which we observe not at this present, for we have not that occasion, unto the which the Apostles then had regard, now among the Christians none are offended to see men eat blood, or to eat of a strangled beast. D. Then if the Church having well considered the intent and end whereunto the Apostles did tend, have abolished in process of time that which the Apostles them selves did decree as touching the ceremonies, knowing that the ordinance did not touch at all any part of the substance ⟨p. 128⟩of the faith, but that it was ordained only for a bond of peace, to keep charity, & to bear for a time with the infirmity & weakness of the Jews: why may she not then more lawfully use her authority to abolish the idolatry, yt superstitions & mens traditions, which are directly against the faith, charity, all good discipline & good order, & against the health of souls? And if it can not be done by a general consent of Christendom, why shall not they yet in their behalf employ them selves, which shall have best means to begin some good reformation? For if it have been lawful for a hooded fellow so boldly to set forth for the word of god, his dreams: shall it not then be lawful for a Christian prince, being accompanied with learned men that fear God, and good ministers of the Gospel, having the word of God for their guide, to reform the churches within their dominions & countries, according to the example of Hezekiah & Josiah, and to purge them of so many intolerable