A17219:364
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.
AS it ought not to be1 sought, so may we not here seek what God may or can do, but what he hath commanded, and what he will do. And we must most warily observe this precept: Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God. We all know, that all things are possible to God, and yet must we know, that this rule is for ever observed in Christs Church, that it followeth not that he doth all things that he can: but we must diligently mark what he commandeth and biddeth us to do. And this rule, if we apply it to this place, it will appear that this is the commandment of God, that he which perceiveth him self to have the gift of chastity, should use the same, so that he well perceive that he hath grace so to do: and that he which hath not this gift, should marry, and not put him self in danger, or tempt God. For Saint Paul speaketh of this ⟨p. 126⟩matter, saying: That he would entangle no man. 1. Corinth. 7. And how diligently they apply their Books in Monasteries, how they labour, and what abstinence they use in meats and drinks, I leave it to the judgement of any wise man to discuss. For it is evident, that they seldom apply their. Books, but give them selves altogether to idleness, daintiness, and satisfying of their paunch. In deed their talk hath a goodly show, but yet wise men can well enough perceive what they are, and therefore will not suffer them selves to be seduced always with this spiritual babbling, when they so manifestly perceive their wickedness. But if there be any that will be wilful blind, then let their own confusion fall on their own pate.