A17726:143
A short instruction for to arm all good Christian people against the pestiferous errors…A short instruction for to arme all good Christian people agaynst the pestiferous errours…
A short instruction for to arm all good Christian people against the pestiferous errors of the common sect of Anabaptists. Compiled by master John CalvinA short instruction for to arme all good Christian people agaynst the pestiferous errours of the common secte of Anabaptistes. Compiled by mayster Iohn Caluine
London: printed by John Daye, 1549London: printed by Ihon Daye, 1549
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.
To this I answer, that when a subject sweareth unto his Prince, to do his duty, in obeying, and being faithful unto him: he doeth not this in confidence of his own power, or vaunting him self as despising God, and setting him at nought: but rather in calling upon the help of God, he answereth that his will shall be such as it ought to be. Howe be it, it is a foolish imagination to reprove oaths, and yet to permit simple promises. For if there be foolish rashness in the one, so is there also in the other.
To thys I answere, that when a subiecte sweareth vnto hys Prynce, to do hys dutye, in obeyinge, and beinge fayethful vnto him: he doeth not thys in confidence of hys owne power, or vauntyng hym selfe as dispisynge God, and settynge him at nought: but rather in calling vpon the healpe of God, he answereth that hys wyll shal be suche as it oughte to be. Howe be it, it is a folyshe imaginatiō to reproue othes, and yet to permitte symple promises. For if there be folishe rashnes in the one, so is ther also in the other.
Therefore if it be lawful for us to promise, they must show a reason why we may not ascertain our promise, by an oath, when necessity requireth us, That in such a case, an oath is holy and lawful, we have many ⟨image 48⟩examples in holy scripture: and among all three, which be very notable. It is said in the book of the Chronicles, that Asa king of Judah, being admonished by Azarias sacrificer and Prophet, called all the people into Jerusalem, and there caused them to swear to serve God for ever. As much is written of Josiah, when the book of the law was found that for to renew the covenant made by Moses, he sware the people, making them promise to persevere for ever in the obedience of God The third example is of Esdras & Nehemiah, at whose instance, the people being returned from Babylon, did swear, for ever after to follow we God and his word. If we do well consider the thing, the like was done at the first publication of the law.
Therefore if it be lawefull for vs to promyse, they muste shew a reason why we may not assertayne our promise, by an othe, when necessitie requireth vs, That in suche a case, an othe is holy and lawefull, we haue many