A17684:85
A little book of John Calvins concerning offences whereby at this day divers are…A little booke of Iohn Caluines concernynge offences whereby at this daye diuers are…
A little book of John Calvins concerning offences whereby at this day divers are feared, and many also quite withdrawn from the pure doctrine of the Gospel, a work very needful and profitable. Translated out of Latin into English by Arthur Golding.A little booke of Iohn Caluines concernynge offences whereby at this daye diuers are feared, and many also quight withdrawen from the pure doctrine of the Gospell, a woorke very needefull and profitable. Translated out of Latine into Englishe by Arthur Goldinge.
London: printed by H. Wykes, 1567
No title page in the transcription: set from the catalogue record.
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.
Yea whereas he reporteth Jacob and his household to have been courteously entertained of Pharaoh, and that he was gently used, and placed in the best pasture country, they impute it wholly to good fortune, whereas the same one household is said to have grown to a great people ere it was any long time after: whereas the same Moses declareth, that so many Miracles were wrought by God, for the deliverance of the outcast and forlorn Israelites: because it was more than could be believed they scoff at it as a feigned thing. To the intent therefore we may bring pure minds to the considering of God's works, we must first purge them of this lewdness borne and bred in them of Nature.
Yea wheras he reporteth Iacob and his householde to haue bene courteously entertained of Pharao, and that he was gently vsed, and placed in the best pasture countrie, they impute it wholy to good fortune, whereas the same one householde is saide to haue growen to a greate people ere it was any longe time after: whereas the same Moyses declareth, that so many Miracles were wrought by God, for the deliuerance of the outcaste and forlorne Israelites: bicause it was more than coulde be beleued they scoffe at it as a feigned thinge. To the entent therefore we may bringe pure mindes to the consideringe of Goddes woorkes, we muste firste purge them of this leudnesse borne and bredde in them of Nature.
Least I may seem to frame an history, (which is no part of my present purpose) it sufficeth me lightly, & as it were by the way to touch the examples of Gods providence in preserving his Church, which are worthy to be decked and set out with glorious inditing. Albeit (to ⟨image 45⟩say the trueth) the order of this work, suffereth me not to touch the tenth part of them, neither is it a matter so greatly requisite: so be it that the Readers may by these few know this one thing which I intend: namely that how much the Church was more oppressed under the Cross, so much the more notable was the power of God in lifting it up. From the first entering of the people into the land of Canaan, their own unbelief was the only let why they possessed it not free from enemies and in quietness. Afterward it was assaulted with continual invasions of enemies. Furthermore, when their power was decayed and brought under foot, it lay open to the spoil and to be wasted. Moreover it oftentimes changed masters, which nevertheless conspired all in one, who might make most havoc of it. In so much that it may be a wonder how in so many and so cruel destructions hanging over it, it remained undestroyed. Surely after the Ark of the Lord was taken, there was not an inch breadth between it and utter despair: