A17183:774
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.
I do not allege all this as Canonical Scriptures, but as proofs to declare that Princes in the primitive church had power, official authority, and a usual custom, granted by God (as Isaiah did prophesy) and derived from the examples of ancient kings, to command bishops, and to determine of Religion in the Church of Christ.
I do not alledge all this as Canonical Scriptures, but as proofes to declare that Princes in the primatiue church had power, officiall authoritie, and a vsuall custome, graunted by God (as Esai did prophecie) and deriued from the examples of auncient kinges, to commaund bishops, and to determine of Religion in the Church of Christ.
As for them which object the churches 1privilege, let them know that it is not permitted to any prince, nor any mortal man, to grant privileges contrary to the express commandments and very truth of gods word. S. Paul affirmed that he had power given him to edify but not to destroy. I am the briefer, because I will not stand to prove that they are unworthy of indifferent privileges which are not such as priests and Christ his ministers should be, but are soldiers rather and wicked knaves, full of all kind of mischief. Among other things in the Canon Law Distinct. 40, we find ⟨p. 184⟩this written. See to your selves, brethren, how ye sit upon the seat: for the seat maketh not the priest, but the priest the seat: the place sanctifieth not the man, but the man the place. Every priest is not a holy man, but every holy man is a priest. He that sitteth well upon the seat, receiveth the honour of the seat: but he that sitteth ill upon the seat, doth injury unto the seat. Therefore an evil priest getteth blame by his priest hood, and not any dignity. And thus much thus far touching this matter.
As for them which obiect ye churches 1