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…

¶ John Calvin to the ministers of the churches in the county of Newcastle.

¶ Iohn Caluine to the ministers of the churches in the countie of Newecastel.

IF any man marvel, my dear brethren and companions in the work of the Lord, that I will occupy my self to answer unto a book which is unworthy to be spoken of, or to be made mention of, seeing that I may occupy my self, as men think, in better things, and things of more fruit, it shall be sufficient excuse for me to allege that I have done it at the request and instance of many good faithful men, with sent the book to me from far countries, which testimony that it was very needful for the health of many souls, that I should take it in hand. For I think verily that this should be sufficient to content them that be reasonable, that my intent was to obtain as well to the judgements as to the desires of them which I knew to be zealous for the glory of God and the edification of his people. But yet have I an other answer for to excuse me by, to them which may think that it is folly in me, to occupy my self in a thing so barren and trifling, as is this little book, which appeareth to be made by ignorant people: which is, that we have no greater privilege than had the prophets of God, and that our pain is no ⟨image 3⟩more precious, than was theirs. Now we see that Ezekiel was constrained to speak and write not only against deceivers which were ignorant and of no reputation, but also against women which would be prophetesses. Seeing the prophet spared not to dispute against women, yea and that it was commanded him by God so to do, because through their leasings they led the people to superstition and error, and letted the verity of his course: it should be a presumption to us, not to wytsafe to do the like. It is true that this book, which I am desired and exhorted to confute, hath no need of resolution towards them that have learning and understanding: for as much as of it self it is sufficiently reproved, in that it is so unlearnedly & foolishly written. But for as much as it hath a certain colour to abuse and circumvent the simple, which have not the judgement to discern: our duty is to help them, and advertise them of the malicious subtleties of satan, to the intent that they be not through imprudence deceived: we are detours to one and other sayeth saint Paul. Therefore we must do service unto all as much as in us is, specially when necessity requireth it.