A14462:99
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 desired ignorance, and of such as are willingly ignorant.
¶ Of the desired ignorance, and of such as are vvillinglye ignorant.
T. For so much as thou hast spoken of forms and orders of scholars, I would fain know in what place thou §26wouldest place this kind of men, of whom we have not yet spoken: among whom, when they have been required to go to hear the word of God, I have seen some of them refuse it, saying that they will not hear it, fearing least that after they have heard it, & known the will of God by the same: they should be more faulty, in as much as they did not obey the same. D. It is not possible to find such men that bare so shamelessly once to open their mouths in such sort. T. I speak that which I have heard with mine own ears. But how many thinkest thou that there are, who when they have known that the word of God is wholly contrary to their affections, and that it teacheth nothing but that which is good and holy, they will for that cause in no wise hear it? for so much as they fear to hear that which shall not like them, and y• they desire not at all to know those good things that they may learn of the same, and last of all to do them, when they have understood & known them. D. The ignorance of such is an affected & voluntary ignorance, much less worthy of pardon, then is that of those of whom we spake before. For these men where they should study to avoid ignorance, and to become wise in the knowledge of God, seek means as much as in them is to be still ignorant, and to fly the knowledge of God, without the which they are not only unworthy, to be accounted Christians, but unworthy to be accounted men. These men put them selves in great peril, they are of the number of those that the Psalmist speaketh of, which stop their ears, as do the