A67922:763
Acts and monuments of matters most special and memorable, happening in the Church. [vol.…Actes and monuments of matters most speciall and memorable, happenyng in the Church. [vol.…
Acts and monuments of matters most special and memorable, happening in the Church. [vol. 1] with an universal history of the same, wherein is set forth at large the whole race and course of the Church, from the primitive age to these latter times of ours, with the bloody times, horrible troubles, and great persecutions against the true martyrs of Christ, sought and wrought as well by heathen emperors, as now lately practised by Romish prelates, especially in this realm of England and Scotland. Newly revised and recognised, partly also augmented, and now the fourth time again published and recommended to the studious reader, by the author (through the help of Christ our Lord) John Fox, which desireth thee good reader to help him with thy prayer.Actes and monuments of matters most speciall and memorable, happenyng in the Church. [vol. 1] with an vniuersall history of the same, wherein is set forth at large the whole race and course of the Church, from the primitiue age to these latter tymes of ours, with the bloudy times, horrible troubles, and great persecutions agaynst the true martyrs of Christ, sought and wrought as well by heathen emperours, as nowe lately practised by Romish prelates, especially in this realme of England and Scotland. Newly reuised and recognised, partly also augmented, and now the fourth time agayne published and recommended to the studious reader, by the author (through the helpe of Christ our Lord) Iohn Foxe, which desireth thee good reader to helpe him with thy prayer.
London: printed by John Daye, 1583London: printed by Iohn Daye, 1583
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.
Of free will.
Concerning free will, as it may peradventure in some case be admitted that men without the grace may do some outward functions of the law, and keep some outward observances or traditions: so as touching things spiritual & appertaining to salvation, the strength of man being not regenerate by grace, is so infirm and impotent that he can perform nothing,1 neither in doing well nor willing well. Who after he be regenerated by grace may work and do well, but yet in such sort, that still remaineth notwithstanding a great imperfection of flesh, & a perpetual repugnance between the flesh and spirit. And thus was the original Church of the ancient Romans first instructed. From whom see now how far this latter Church of Rome hath degenerated, which holdeth and affirmeth, that men without grace may perform the obedience of the law,2 & prepare themselves to receive grace by working, so that those works may be meritorious, and of congruity obtain grace. Which grace once obtained, then men may (say they) perfectly perform the full obedience of the law, and accomplish those spiritual actions, and works which God requireth,3 and so those works, of con dignity, deserve everlasting life. As for the infirmity which still remaineth in nature, that they nothing regard nor once speak of.
COncerning free will, as it may peraduenture in some case be admitted that men without the grace may doe some outward functions of the law, and keepe some outward obseruaunces or traditions: so as touching thinges spirituall & apperteining to saluation, the strength of man being not regenerate by grace, is so infirme and impotent that he can performe nothing,