A17726:254
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.
Hitherto have we proved by sufficient testimonies, how the souls being separated from the bodies, do notwithstanding live in God, and have reproved the error of the Anabaptists, which would make us believe, that they do sleep, being dead without any feeling.
Hitherto haue we proued by sufficiēt testimonies, howe the soules beynge seperated from the bodyes, do notwythstandynge lyue in God, and haue reproued the errour of the Anabaptistes, whyche woulde make vs beleue, that they do slepe, beynge dead wythout anye fealynge.
Now to satisfy the request of all men, as much as in us is: there resteth that we do briefly show what we ought to think touching the estate and condition where they be. And first I protest, that I will speak thereof more soberly then many would. For I know what curiosity there is in many which would that a man should describe it unto them unto the uttermost, even unto the chambers and cabins where the souls be, abiding the day of judgement.
Nowe to satisfye the requeste of all men, as muche as in vs is: there resteth that we do brieflye shewe what we oughte to thynke touchynge the estate and condition where they be. And fyrst I protest, that I wyl speke therof more soberly then many woulde. For I knowe what curiositie there is in manye whyche woulde that a man shoulde describe it vnto them vnto the vttermoste, euen vnto the chambers and cabyns where the soules be, abydynge the daye of iudgement.
They which would be fed with such fables, shall be deceived, if they seek them at me. For I had lever keep my self to the simplicity of the scripture, to show that which is expedient to know, then to wander abroad in the air, to appear subtle. Now the Lord foreseeing that it was not needful for us to have a more ample understanding of this matter, was content to teach us simply, that when our souls be departed from their bodies, they do notwithstanding live in him, abiding the accomplishment of their beatitude and glory, in the day of the judgment, as shall be hereafter showed. Let us abide therefore by this, and whatsoever declaration we shall make, let us not pass this measure as touching this sentence.