A17085:20
The mind and exposition of that excellent learned man Martin Bucer, upon these words…The mynd and exposition of that excellente learned man Martyn Bucer, vppon these wordes…
The mind and exposition of that excellent learned man Martin Bucer, upon these words of S. Matthew: Woo be to the wordle [sic] because of offences. Math. xviij. Faithfully translated in to English, by a faithful brother, with certain objections [and] answers to the sameThe mynd and exposition of that excellente learned man Martyn Bucer, vppon these wordes of S. Mathew: Woo be to the wordle [sic] bycause of offences. Math. xviij. Faythfully translated in to Englishe, by a faythfull brother, with certayne obiections [and] answeres to the same
Emden: printed by E. van der Erve, 1566
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.
And it is a thing absurd and foolish, to go about to prescribe a long time for ⟨image 8⟩the receiving of the truth, because falsehood and untruth hath by little and little crept in, and grown of long time. In deed so should we have no more hold of Christ then of Antichrist. Doubtless, if we receive him not as soon as we know him, we shall never enjoy him. Moses, Samuel, Elijah, Hezekiah, Josiah, dealt not in this sort,1 but so soon as they had restored the knowledge of the Law to the people, forthwith they abolished all abominations at once, and restored the Ceremonies of God. Wherefore it is to no purpose, that they say which always brag that there are greater things to be urged and called upon, then the reformation of Ceremonies: so becoming patrons of Antichrists relics and remnants. Ceremonies are the badges or testimonies of religion,2 and therefore we begin also our Religion with the Ceremony of Baptism. And also if any man after he is excommunicated for his wickedness, be received again through his repentance, he is straight reconciled to the Church by the Sacrament of the lords supper / wherefore they must needs be very weak in the faith of Christ, which prolong and differ the removing of Antichrists Ceremonies: And doubtless it will be ⟨image 9⟩long ere newness of life appear in those men if ever it appear at all. In deed, we see at this day cold and slack proceedings in Christian profession in those places where Antichrists Ceremonies are borne with all,3 and suffered to continue, and all things much more lively and effectual where they be abolished. For if they stay and remain any time unreformed, there can be no other cause thereof but that either the word of God is not thoroughly received or not esteemed and regarded accordingly. For how so ever those that suppose them selves to be strong in the faith, will excuse them selves that they use not thes things: where is yet, I pray you, their zeal for Christs glory, or their care for their brethren: which as they yet still use them so (no doubt) they do it of weakness of faith.