A14462:310
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.
¶ Howe it doth appear by the contradictions, which have ben in the ancient Councils, that the Councils may err, and how their conclusions, have in manner always been conformable to the opinions of those which have presided in them, or have been the strongest.
¶ Hovve it doth appeare by the contradictions, vvhiche haue ben in the auncient Councels, that the Councels may erre, and hovv their conclusions, haue in maner alvvayes bene conformable to the opiniōs of those vvhich haue presided in them, or haue bene the strongest.
D. NO more do I approve them: but all that yet hath ben said of these matters, do confirm my saying. For we see plainly by that, that Councils may err, and that they are not sufficient to appease the dissentions and troubles of Christendom, and to assure the consciences of men. For all be it that those same have ben contrary the one sort to the others, yet notwithstanding they do all boast, that they were ⟨p. 135⟩governed, and directed by the holy Ghost. There were also in them, men of great appearance of wisdom, of virtue and of holiness from all parts, to give them great show. They seemed to be gathered, in such sort as lawful Councils ought to be, or at the least, they had ever one of them, which were esteemed the chief heads of Christendom, to call them together, since the Church hath had Emperors, Kings, & Christian princes: the authority hath ben given them, to assemble the Councils, because they had better means to do it, then others had, by reason of the power which God gave unto them. Which thing in deed was observed in all general Councils, until the viii. that was holden in the time of the Emperor Basil, as it doth well appear, by that which is written in that same Council. Act. 5. And if there have ben any holden, by the commandments of the Emperors, at the which the Bishops & Romish Popes, or their Legates did not assist, then would the Popes also hold others by their authority without the Emperors, despising the authority of them, rebelling and making others to rebel against them, as hath ben already said. And although the Pope Julie the first, did greatly reprove (as Platina doth witness) the Bishops of the East, and chiefly the Arians,