A19564:163
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.
YE have heard how ye ought to understand the seventh precept, by the which ye have learned, that by no means we should take away our neighbours goods against his will. And when he committeth any thing to our custody, (either willingly or constrained by necessity), then it is our duty to keep, and save the ⟨image 106⟩same, as we would do in case it were our own. And forasmuch as our riches standeth not only in possession of lands, tenements, cattle or money, but also in our good name, fame and estimation, (which far passeth all gold silver and precious stones,) therefore followeth this commandment. Thou shalt bear no false witness against thy neighbour. For this commandment teacheth us, how we should behave our selves, in defending our neighbours good name, that we dishonest him not with lies, false accusations, or witness bearing, that we slander him not, but study to defend, increase and maintain his good name and fame, even so as we would wish other men to do toward us. And here you shall diligently mark and ⟨p. lxxxiii⟩bear away, how excellent a treasure it is to have a good name.1 For Solomon sayeth. A good name is better then much riches, and more precious then balm or other strange ointments. And forasmuch as God so earnestly forbiddeth other men, to hurt our good report and estimation, which men have conceived of us, it must needs follow, that much more he forbiddeth our selves, to do that hurt to our selves, which he chargeth other not once to offer unto us, but he requireth of us, that we with all diligence should study to get us a good name, and to keep the same unspotted and undefiled. This we shall do, if we apply our minds to true virtue and unfeigned religion, that our life may be found faultless, and men may have no ⟨image 107⟩matter against us, wherewith they may worthily charge us. For it is not sufficient, only to abstain from sin, but we must also avoid all occasion of the same, and as saint Paul counselleth us, we must refrain from all outward appearance of evil.2 Wherefore good children live virtuously, keep Gods commandments, obey your parents & elders, that you may be well spoken of, and be taken for honest persons: For this doeth not only please God, but also is very profitable for you.