A17726:306
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.
☞ They object yet more against us, that which is written in the epistle to the Hebrews of the Ancient fathers, how that they departed in faith, without receiving the promises: but saluted them a far of, and confessed them selves to be strangers upon the earth.
☞ They obiecte yet more againste vs, that which is wrytten in the epistle to the Hebrues of the Auncient fathers, how that thei departed in fayeth, wythoute receyuynge the promises: but saluted theym a farre of, and confessed them selues to be straungers vpon the earthe.
☞ Now in saying thus, they do signify that they sought their heritage and natural country, in that they had no mind of ⟨image 77⟩that country from whens they came: they might have returned: but they desired a better: that is to say from heaven. This text is wickedly depraved by them, through false glosses, in that they do refer this to the present time: where the Apostle speaketh of the time when the Patriarchs were conversant in this world. Howe be it touching the purpose of our matter, I am right well content to allow their gloss. They make their argument thus, if Abraham and the other fathers do desire the heavenly heritage, than they have it not yet. I reply to the contrary, that if they have a desire, than do they live, and have relynge of good and evil. Where is their sleeping than? Thus we see that they be contrary to them selves like little children. Touching the rest, I will well the Apostle sayeth afterward, that all the ancient fathers, have not yet received that which in this world they looked for, because God hath ordained, that they without us should not be made perfect. And this is it that we say, that all the consolation which the faithful souls have, is reduced to this glorious immortality, in which, we shall all at one time, be gathered together, when Jesus Christ shall appear in judgement. These places which here after I will recite shall declare, how these fantasticals do keep together all the cavillations that they can, and that impudently, to have some appearance to colour their error. If the souls (say they) being separate from their bodies ⟨image 77⟩