A67926:5343
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. 2, part 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. 2, part 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
No title page in the transcription: set from the catalogue record.
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.
For the weakness and the infirmity of the hearers, he said without doubt plainly,1 that Saints should not be honoured. My Lords (said he) there are two things worthy of note.2 The one is certain, the other uncertain. It is found plainly and certain in Scripture, that we should worship and honour one God, according to the saying of the first Commandment: Thou shalt only worship and honour thy Lord God, with all thy heart. But as for praying to, and honouring of Saints, there is great doubt among many, whether they hear or no, invocation made unto them. Therefore I exhorted all men equally in my doctrine, that they should leave the unsure way, and follow that way, which was taught us by our master Christ. He is our only mediator, and maketh intercession for us to God his father.3 He is the door by the which we must enter in. He that entereth not in by this door, but climeth an other way, is a thief and murderer. He is the verity and life. He that goeth out of this way, there is no doubt but he shall fall into the mire: yea verily, is fallen into it already. This is the fashion of my doctrine, the which I have ever followed. Verily that which I have heard and read in the word of God; I taught openly, and in no corners. And now ye shall witness the same, if your Lordships will hear me. Except it stand by the word of God, I dare not be so bold to affirm any thing. These sayings he rehearsed divers times.
For the weakenes and the infirmitie of the hearers, he said without doubt plainly,1 that Saints should not be honoured. My Lordes (sayde hee) there are two things worthy of note.2 The one is certaine, the other vncertayne. It is found plainly and certaine in Scripture, that we should worship and honor one God, according to the saying of the first Commaundement: Thou shalt only worship and honour thy Lord God, with all thy heart. But as for praying to, and honouring of Saintes, there is great doubt among many, whether they hear or no, inuocation made vnto thē. Therefore I exhorted all men equally in my doctrine, that they shoulde leaue the vnsure waye, and folowe that way, which was taught vs by our master Christ. He is our only mediatour, and maketh intercession for vs to God hys father.