A19564:49
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.
¶Thou shalt make the no graven image / nor any likeness of any thing ⟨image 27⟩which is in heaven above / or in earth beneath / or in the water under the earth. Thou shalt not bow down unto it / nor worship it.
¶Thou shalt make the no grauē ymage / nor any lykenesse of anye thynge ⟨image 27⟩which is in heauē aboue / or in earth benethe / or in the water vnder the earthe. Thou shalt not bow downe vnto it / nor wourship it.
These words (by most interpreters of late time belong to the first commandment, although after the interpretation of many ancient authors they be the second commandment) in which words it is to be noted, that it is not without great cause, that God with so plain and express words doth forbid worshipping of images. For he saw that mans corrupt nature from the first time that he fell from God, hath ever ben inclined and ready to idolatry, and to bow down to creatures, ⟨image 28⟩rather than to look up to God that made him. Wherefore he inhibiteth all occasions of the same. God did also foresee, that in the latter days men should come which would maintain worshipping of images. Not only with painted colours, but also with painted words, saying. We kneel not to the image, but before the image, we worship not the image, but the thing which is represented by the image, we worship not the creatures, but the creator in the creatures. And such like excuses the greatest idolaters did always pretend. But to the intent they should not so deceive you, God doeth oftentimes in holy scripture call upon you saying. Thou shalt not make to the any graven image or likeness of any creature, thou shalt not kneel, nor ⟨image 28⟩bow thy self down to it.