A17183:226
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.
Now, because I have said, that 1the word of God is revealed, to the intent that it may fully instruct us in the ways of God and our salvation, I will in few words declare unto you (dearly beloved) that in the word of God delivered to us by the Prophets, and Apostles, is abundantly contained the whole effect of godliness, and what things soever are available to the leading of our lives rightly, well, and holily. For verily, it must needs be, that that doctrine is full and in all points perfect, to which nothing ought either to be added, or else to be taken away. But such a doctrine is the doctrine taught in the word of God, as witnesseth Moses Deuter. 4. &. 12. and Solomon Proverb. 30. What is he therefore that doth not confess that all points of true piety, are taught us in the sacred Scriptures. Furthermore, no man can deny that to be a most absolute doctrine, by which a man is so fully made perfect, that in this world he may be taken for a just man, and in the world to come, be called for ever to the company of God. But he, that believeth the word of God uttered to the world by the Prophets and Apostles, and liveth thereafter, is called a just man, and heir of life everlasting. That doctrine therefore is an absolute doctrine. For Paul also declaring more largely and fully the same matter, 2saith: All Scripture given by inspiration of god, is profitable to doctrine, to reprove, to correction, to instruction which is in righteousness, that the man of God may be perfect, instructed to all good works. Ye have (brethren) an evident testimony of the fullness of the word of God. Ye have a doctrine absolutely perfect in all points Ye have a most perfect effect of the word of God, because by this doctrine the man of God, that is the godly and devout worshipper of God, is perfect being instructed, not to a certain few good works, but unto all and every good work. Wherein therefore canst thou find any want? I do not think that any one is such a sot, as to interpret these words of Paul, to be spoken only touching the old Testament: seeing, it is more manifest then the day light, that Paul applied them to his scholar Timothy, who preached the Gospel, and was a minister of the new Testament.
Nowe, bycause I haue sayde, that 1