A19564:136
Catechismus, that is to say, a short instruction into Christian religion for the singular…Catechismus, that is to say, a shorte instruction into Christian religion for the synguler…
Catechismus, that is to say, a short instruction into Christian religion for the singular commodity and profit of children[n] and young people. Set forth by the most reverend father in God Thomas Archbishop of Canterbury, primate of all England and MetropolitanCatechismus, that is to say, a shorte instruction into Christian religion for the synguler commoditie and profyte of childre[n] and yong people. Set forth by the mooste reuerende father in God Thomas Archbyshop of Canterbury, primate of all England and Metropolitane
printed for Gwalter Lynne, 1548
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.
There are some chaste, which are so borne even from their mothers womb. Some there be which are made chaste by men. Other there be to whom God by a singular gift hath given the gift of ⟨image 90⟩chastity, which live unmarried for this purpose and intent, that they might the better know and set forth the kingdom of God. And they that have this excellent gift, let them thank God for it, for they may live unmarried. And Christ also doth praise this kind of chastity, saying. All men can not take this, he that can, let him take it.1 To all other God hath commanded to use the help of marriage, saying. Grow and multiply.2 And saint Paul sayeth. He that can not live continently, let him marry, for it is better to marry then to burn. Now forasmuch as marriage is a kind of life so holy godly and honest, and that also it pertaineth so much to the profit of the common wealth, that the promise therein made should be faithfully observed, ⟨p. lxvii⟩for the causes above rehearsed, therefore God with this commandment, as with a strong bulwark or fortress hath defended wedlock, saying. Thou shalt be no wedlock breaker. And to the intent we might the better understand, what our Lord God meant by this commandment, Christ him self did expound it, saying. Ye have heard how it was said to them of the old law. Thou shalt commit no adultery. But I say unto you. He that looketh upon a woman to lust after her, hath already committed adultery in his hart. For it is not enough to abstain from carnal copulation with an other mans wife, but we must abstain also from all wanton communication, all unclean affections and thoughts. Wherefore this commandment. Thou ⟨image 91⟩shalt commit none adultery, is as much to say, as thou shalt not offend with thy neighbours wife, neither in act, nor unclean words, nor in looks, winks, becks, or other unhonest gestures and signs, neither in affection & privy motion of thy heart. But I command the (sayeth God) that thou be shamefast, chaste, pure & undefiled, whether thou be a virgin, widow or married. For these three states of life be holy & pure.