A17183:1056
Fifty Godly and Learned Sermons (The Decades)
Fifty godly and learned sermons divided into five decades, containing the chief and principal points of Christian religion, written in three several tomes or sections, by Henry Bullinger minister of the church of Tigure in Switzerland. Whereunto is adjoined a triple or three-fold table very fruitful and necessary. Translated out of Latin into English by H.I. student in divinity.Fiftie godlie and learned sermons diuided into fiue decades, conteyning the chiefe and principall pointes of Christian religion, written in three seuerall tomes or sections, by Henrie Bullinger minister of the churche of Tigure in Swicerlande. Whereunto is adioyned a triple or three-folde table verie fruitefull and necessarie. Translated out of Latine into English by H.I. student in diuinitie.
London: printed by Henry Middleton for Ralph Newberrie, 1577London: printed by Henry Middleton for Ralphe Newberrie, 1577
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 from hence undoubtedly did first arise the common voice of them of old which were wont to say: If thou seest a needy body die with hunger, and doest not help him while thou mayest, thou hast killed him, and given consent unto his death. Let him therefore which hath store of earthly goods, know for a surety and in his heart be thoroughly persuaded, that he is bound especially to do good to the needy.
And from hence vndoubtedly did first arise the common voyce of them of old which were wōt to say: If thou seest a needie bodie die with hunger, and doest not helpe him while thou mayest, thou hast killed him, and giuen consent vnto his death. Let him therefore which hath stoare of earthly goodes, knowe for a suretie and in his heart be thoroughly persuaded, that hée is bounde especiallie to doe good to the néedie.
And Tobias giveth his son this lesson saying: Turn not thy face from any poor man. But if thou canst not thorough lack of ability do good to all men, then succour them chiefly whom thou perceivest to be godly disposed, and yet pinched with penury. For S. Paul saith, Let us do good to all men, but to them especially that are of the household of faith. Let us therefore aid, succour, and relieve fatherless children and poor widows, old men and impotent people, those that are afflicted and persecuted for the profession of the trueth, and such as are oppressed with any misery and calamity. Let us further and help forward good and holy learning, and all the worshippers and true ministers of God, that live in want and scarcity. Finally, let us relieve strangers, and whom so ever else we may.