A17726:70
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.
Of the Anabaptists. › Article 2 › ☞ ConfutationOf the Anabaptistes. › Article 2 › ☞ Confutacion
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.
Now to reprove that thing which the Lord never reproved, is to great an enterprise for any mortal man. Let us always keep firm this thing, that it is to usurp over the authority of God, to condemn• for evil, that which the Lord hath permitted unto us.
Nowe to reproue that thynge whyche the Lorde neuer reproued, is to greate an enterpryce for anye mortall man. Let vs alwayes kepe fyrme thys thynge, that it is to vsurpe ouer the authoritie of God, to condemn• for euyll, that whyche the Lorde hath permitted vnto vs.
Now it is not found in all the scripture, that ever he forbade princes, by force of armour to maintain their country, against such as against right, vexed them. It is very true that the Prophets, speaking of the kingdom of Jesus Christ, do say that the swords and spears, shall be turned into instruments of husbandry, to tile the earth.
Nowe it is not founde in all the scripture, that euer he forbode princes, by force of armoure to maintaine theyr contrye, against suche as agaynste ryghte, vexed theym. It is very true that the Prophetes, speakynge of the kyngedome of Iesus Christ, do say that the swerdes and speares, shall be turned into instrumentes of husbandry, to tyle the earth.
But by such manner of speeches they do signify none other thing,1 but that all war and enmity, shall cease and be taken from the faithful. And would God that the Gospel might so take place in the world, that this thing might be well practised of all men.