1Again, I rather call these sentences, Aphorisms, then (as they be called usually) themes, or questions, for the word thesis carieth some sign of doubtfulness with it, as may be seen with Aristotle in his Topics, where disputers are said aliquid [Greek or Hebrew] to set down some thing, which they do not avouch to be true: for the Logician, saith Aristotle in those books, ⟨image 8⟩must not affirm any thing as truth, but this belongeth to him only which can bring proof by demonstrative conclusions: but such as dispute Logically, are ready to defend their position as true, or at least wise as probable. And some time the word thesis with Aristotle signifieth some absurd opinion: carried about under the name of some famous Philosopher. But these sentences contained in these Aphorisms are neither absurd (but to such wits as be not enlightened and sanctified by Gods spirit) nor such as any Christian may lawfully doubt off. Here some man will ask; wherefore then are they propounded to be disputed upon, •d so to be called in question? I answer, •beit we dispute of them, yet we doubt not of the truth of them: for that is not the •nd wherefore we propose them in disputation: but that our auditory may the better see and know the truth of them, and to •e more assured of the same, by hearing •ll objections of heretics, and all scruples that may stick in their minds answered and resolved by the word of God: ⟨image 9⟩and so both the ignorant receive better instruction, and the weaker confirmation in the heavenly truth. But some will say; what need was there these Aphorisms should be published, seeing they were written for the special and proper use of thine auditory? I have herein also followed M. Olevian that most faithful Minister and servant of Christ: for his desire was that his abridgements might not only benefit such as heard him here, but strangers also of other countries. If he thought his abridgement should please many because of brevity, much more may I expect the like favour, for that I am herein more compendious then he. For these short Aphorisms contain the chief points of Christian Religion barely propounded,2 much like a withered body, or certain joints and bones without skin, flesh or sinews, such as Anatomists reserve for demonstration sake. So here we have taken away the fullness and glory of that stile, as the skin and flesh thereof:
1Again, I rather call these sentences, Aphorismes, then (as they be called vsually) theames, or questions, for the word thesis carieth some signe of doubtfulnesse with it, as may be seene with Aristotle in his Topickes, where disputers are said aliquid 〈non-Latin alphabet〉 to set downe some thing, which they do not auouch to be true: for the Logitian, saith Aristotle in those bookes, ⟨image 8⟩must not affirme any thing as truth, but this belongeth to him onely which can bring proofe by demonstratiue conclusions: but such as dispute Logically, are ready to defend their position as true, or at least wise as probable. And some time the word thesis with Aristotle signifieth some absurde opinion: caried about vnder the name of some famous Philosopher. But these sentences contained in these Aphorismes are neither absurde (but to such wits as be not inlightned and sanctified by Gods spirite) nor such as any Christian may lawfully doubt off. Here some man will aske; wherefore then are they propounded to be disputed vpon, •d so to be called in question? I answer, •beit we dispute of them, yet we doubt not of the truth of them: for that is not the •nd wherefore we propose them in disputation: but that our auditorie may the better see and know the truth of them, and to •e more assured of the same, by hearing •ll obiections of heretickes, and all scru•les that may sticke in their mindes an•wered and resolued by the word of God: ⟨image 9⟩and so both the ignorant receiue better instruction, and the weaker confirmation in the heauenly truth. But some will say; what neede was there these Aphorismes shuld be published, seeing they were written for the special and proper vse of thine auditorie? I haue herein also followed M. Oleuian that most faithfull Minister and seruaunt of Christ: for his desire was that his abridgments might not only benefite such as heard him here, but straungers also of other countreys. If he thought his abridgement should please many because of breuitie, much more may I expect the like fauour, for that I am herein more compendious then he. For these short Aphorismes containe the chiefe points of Christiā Religion barely propounded,2
- 1Theses.
- 2[Greek or Hebrew].〈non-Latin alphabet〉.
