A17726:85
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.
☞ But to take a way all scruple in this matter. We have a very evident and express probation, for where the prophets speak of the reign of Jesus Christ it is said that kings shall come and worship him, and do homage unto him.
☞ But to take a waye all scrupull in thys matter. We haue a very euident and expresse probacion, for where the prophetes speke of the raygne of Iesus Christe it is sayde that kynges shall come and worship him, and do homage vnto him.
It is not said that they shall depose them selves from there estate to become Christen wen but rather being constitute in royal dignity they shall be subject to Jesus Christ, as unto there sovereign Lord.
It is not sayd that they shal depose thē selues frō there estate to become Christen wen but rather beynge constitute in riall dignitie they shalbe subiecte to Iesus Christ, as vnto ther souerayne Lord.
☞ David following this, in exhorting them to do there duty,1 doeth not command them to caste away there diadems or sceptres: but only to kiss the Son: that is to say to do him homage, and to be subject unto him, having governance of other. He speaketh there of the kingdom of our saviour Jesus Christ: and he doeth monish all kings and superiors to be wise, & to take good heed unto them selves. What is this wisdom? What lesson doeth he give them? To give over all? No: but to fear god and to give honour unto his Son. Moreover: Isaiah prophesieth that the kings shall be as fathers, nurses unto the christen church, & that the queens shall nurse them with there breasts. I pray you how agreeth this, that the kings shall be protectors of the christen church, and yet there estate cannot stand with christianity? If the lord give unto them so much place among his people: as he giveth unto the prophets: we have sufficient to prove our intention. Seeing that he doth appoint unto them, so honourable a place in the fellowship of his people, that he giveth them this honour, I say, as to ordain them protectors of his church: what impudency is it to exclude them out of all? We conclude therefore, that princes serving God, may well be Christen men: for as much as the Lord giveth them such a preeminence in the Christen religion.