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Questions of religion cast abroad in Helvetia by the adversaries of the sameQuestions of religion cast abroad in Helvetia by the aduersaries of the same
Questions of religion cast abroad in Helvetia by the adversaries of the same: and answered by M. H. Bullinger of Zurick: reduced into .17. common places. Translated into English by John Cox. 1572Questions of religion cast abroad in Helvetia by the aduersaries of the same: and aunswered by M. H. Bullinger of Zurick: reduced into .17. common places. Translated into Englishe by Iohn Coxe. 1572
London: printed by Henry Bynneman for George Byshop, 1572London: printed by Henrie Bynneman for George Byshop, 1572
Title page typeset from the transcription.
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.
The Answer.
The Answere.
IF that sinful Mary's1 sins were forgiven her, for the love which she bore to Christ, then she recompensed this her forgiveness, and therefore it was not the free gift of God, neither were her sins remitted by grace? But the Gospel teacheth that she had remission of her sins, without any desert: For the Lord saith. There was a certain man which had two debtors, and when they were not able to pay him, he forgave both of them the debts. Wherefore if her debt were forgiven and pardoned, then did she not purchase, or deserve it by her love. Furthermore, the words of the gospel plainly teach that Mary's love sprang from the forgiveness of her sins, and not the forgiveness of her sins from her love: for so is it written. Of these two therefore (that is to say, of the two debtors which were pardoned) tell me which vvill love him most. Simon answered, saying: I think him, to whom most ⟨p. 57⟩was forgiven. And he said to him, thou hast judged right. And therefore he afterward telleth with what great love Mary embraced him, and that because he had forgiven her many sins. Yet notwithstanding, these men dare manifestly affirm the contrary, to wit, that •ure Lord forgave her her sins, & that for her loves sake. But yet they object that Christ said: Many sins are forgiven her, for she loved much. To that I answer, that it is all one, as if he should have said: many sins are forgiven her▪ and therefore she loveth much. And that this is the true meaning of our Lords words, the things which go before, and the things which follow after, do manifestly teach. For even immediately after these words he saith, To whom a little is remitted, he loveth a little. Then knitteth he up his words thus: Thy fins are forgiven thee. Thy faith hath saved thee, go in peace. See therefore what saved her: first the free grace of our Lord, by which her sins were forgiven: secondly, faith, by the which she received the mercy or grace of god, and committed