A15880:90
The account reckoning and confession of the faith of Huldrik Zwinglius bishop of Zuryk…The accompt rekenynge and confession of the faith of Huldrik Zwinglius byshop of Zuryk…
The account reckoning and confession of the faith of Huldrik Zwinglius bishop of Zuryk the chief town of Helvetia sent unto Charles the fifth now Emperor of Rome, holding a counsel with the most noble princes, estates and learned men of Germany assembled together at Augsburg. 1530. in the month of July. Translated out of latin by Thomas Cotsforde. And imprinted at Geneva. In April. 1555.The accompt rekenynge and confession of the faith of Huldrik Zwinglius byshop of Zuryk the chief towne of Heluetia sent vnto Charles the fyfte nowe Emperoure of Rome, holdynge a counsel wyth the moost noble princes, estates and learned men of Germany assembled together at Ausburgh. 1530. in the moneth of Iuly. Translated out of latyn by Thomas Cotsforde. And imprinted at Geneua. In April. 1555.
printed by Egidius Van der Erve, 1555
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.
Sixthly, Concerning the church, thus we think:1 that the Church in the scriptures is diversly taken. First it is taken for those chosen, which by the will of God are appointed to eternal life. Of which Paul speaketh, saying:2 that she hath neither wrinkle nor spot. This Church is known only unto God. For he only (after the word of Solomon) hath known the hearts of the children of men. But nevertheless,3 ⟨p. 22⟩they that are members of this church know verily that they themselves are elect, and are members of this first Church, because they have faith in Christ. But they know none other members thereof beside themselves, for so is it written in the acres of the Apostles:4 And they believed as many as were ordained to eternal life. Therefore they that believe are ordained to eternal life. But who truly believeth, no man knoweth but he that believeth.5 He therefore now is sure that he is the chosen of God. For he (after the word of the Apostle) hath the earnest of the spirit, wherewith he being dispoused and sealed, knoweth him self to be made, not bond, but verily free, and the son of the family. For that spirit can not deceive. Which, if he bear record unto us & certifieth our consciences, that God is our father, & that we being sure and without fear do call him father, not doubting but that we shall go unto the everlasting inheritance, than is it certain that the spirit of of the son of God is poured into our hearts. It is certain therefore that he is elect which is so surely by ⟨p. 23⟩faith persuaded. For they that believe are ordained to eternal life.6 But many in times past were, and many now are chosen, which yet have no faith. The blessed mother of God,