A17085:48
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.
¶ To the Reader.
TO my faithful Brethren, we give thanks to God for your constancy and upright dealing in this great controversy now raised by packing of enemies about the wearing of popish apparel, and as ye have well begun, there is no doubt, but the Lord in mercy shall keep ye pure and blameless to the end. It hath been no small joy and comfort to many godly and good Churches, which daily and hourly prayeth for your perseverance, and that it would please God to ease it, when his good will and pleasure is. So on the other side much lamenting the blindness of those that goeth about to defend it: but especially those that are become persecutors of their godly & faithful brethren: but as charity requireth we desire God never lay it to their charge, but give them grace to rise again unto whom we leave them whether they stand or fall. Let Lots wife be a warning in time to take heed. Moses that blessed servant of God would not alter the value of a curtain, or a little pine in the Ark, so zealous was he in the Lords work: nor never brought any thing out of his own head to the people: But had always the ⟨image 18⟩warrant of the word for him, to conclude, what so ever may be objected against the refusers of those idolaters garments, for what so ever they bring, may be reduced into this points, that Godly men ether need not or ought not to be scrupulous in so small a matter, which answer ye shall understand as followeth with an answer to a question at the end hereof. The Lord for his Christ sake make Ephraim and Manassis agree, that we may all with on hart and mind unfeignedly seek God's glory, the edification of his people, that we may live in all godly peace, unite, and concord. This grant, o Lord, for Christ Jesus sake, to whom, with thee, and the Holy ghost, be all praise, glory, and honour for ever and ever. Fare ye well dear Brethren.