A17726:224
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.
The Anabaptists to trifle out this place do allege that which is said in another place, that a thousand years are as one day before the Lord. Which thing we grant unto them, but this must we consider, that when God speaketh unto men, he frameth his speech, according unto their capacity. In such wise, that you shall never find in the scripture, that God hath at any time said: I will this day do this, meaning that he will do it a thousand years after.
The Anabaptistes to trifel out thys place do alledge that whiche is sayed in a nother place, that a thousande yeres are as one day before the Lorde. Whiche thinge we graunt vnto them, but thys muste we consider, that when God speaketh vnto men, he frameth hys speache, accordynge vnto their capiacitye. In suche wyse, that you shall neuer finde in the scripture, that God hath at any time sayed: I wyll thys daye do thys, meanynge that he wyll do it a thousande yeres after.
In such manner when Jonah showed the Ninevites, that after forty days their City should perish, it had been great folly for them, to have understanded forty thousand years.
In suche maner whan Ionas shewed the Niniuites, that after fortye dayes their Citye shoulde perishe, it hadde bene greate folye for them, to haue vnderstanded fortye thousand yeres.
Likewise when the Lord said, that he would rise again the third day, we know he speak after the common manner of men. But I will cease from this matter, for as much as all men do see how much the Anabaptists have been beguiled in using of such evasions. They have yet another cavillation.
Lykewyse whan the Lorde sayde, that he woulde ryse agayne the thyrde daye, we knowe he speake after the common maner of menne. But I wyll sease from thys matter, for as muche as all men do see howe muche the Anabaptistes haue bene begyled in vsynge of suche euasions. They haue yet a nother cauilation.