A14462:321
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 study of holy Scriptures, and of the decree which was made in the Council of Nice concerning the same: and of the excellency and authority of the Bible, and of his decrees.
¶ Of the studye of holy Scriptures, and of the decree vvhiche vvas made in the Councell of Nice concerning the same: and of the excellencie and authoritye of the Bible, and of his decrees.
T. I Find your Counsel, & your resolution very good, & for my part it seemeth unto me, that you have spoken that which is the most sure, & our duty is to enquire with all diligence, & by all means of the will of God, by his holy Scriptures. D. It is the Counsel y• Jesus Christ himself giveth, which saith: ⟨p. 141⟩Search you yt Scriptures: let us follow y• example of those of Beroa of whom it is spoken in the Acts of the Apostles. They 1were not like to a rabble of obstinate persons, which will not hear at all: nor like unto a number of vain people, which lightly do allow all that ever is set forth unto them, without taking any deliberation, and not proving yt spirits whether they be of God or no: For they heard S. Paul, & then they searched the scriptures, to see if it were so as Paul had taught. And when they saw that he spake according to the Scriptures, they received his doctrine, as the doctrine of God. T. Here was a good order o proceeding. D. It is certain, for we must every one of us answer for himself in proper person, before the judgement seat of God, & not for others, nor yet by attorneys. Wherefore if others will not do their duty, but will tarry for a Council, let not us fail to do our duty & to follow better Counsel, if we may attain unto it. And if a Council be of value, why do we look for new councils? Why do we not cleave unto the old, which are holden long since, & ought to be of greater authority then the new? If we believe not & obey the ancient Councils, why shall we believe & obey the new, let us rather obey the Council of Nice which did ordain y there should be none among the Christians but they should have Bibles, to learn in them the will of God: then to that in the which Antichrist & his Doctors have forbidden the common people to have them, & to read them in their natural tongues against the determination of the Christian Council. For the book of the Bible is the true book of the true and lawful Councils, and of the eternal ordinances of God, wherefore S. Augustine not without good cause said, that the authority of the scriptures is much greater then all the understanding of man is able to comprehend & know, how subtle, fine and perfect so ever it be: with the which sentence S. Chrysostom agreeth well, saying that the Council may ordain nothing against the word of God: