A brief declaration of the chief points of Christian religion set forth in a…A briefe declaration of the chiefe points of Christian religion set forth in a…

Whereas many find this matter so sharp and strange, that they fly from it, as from a dangerous rock: it is partly to be attributed to the malice and arrogance of men: and partly to the rashness, & lack of discretion of them that teach it: and thirdly it is to be imputed to their ignorance which cannot orderly ⟨p. 49⟩apply the same to themselves, which faithfully and truly hath been taught of others. Concerning them which sin of malice, it only appertaineth to God to amend them: which surely he hath done always in his season, and like wise will do from time to time, to whom he hath appointed to show mercy. But for others which remain obstinate in their sin and wickedness, there is no cause why we should be moved either for their number, or authority, to dissemble Gods truth. And as touching the second sort, I have thought these things principally to be observed in preaching this mystery.¹

Whereas many finde this matter so sharpe and strange, that they flie from it, as from a dangerous rock: it is partly to be attributed to the malice and arrogancie of men: and partly to the rashnes, & lack of discretion of them that teach it: and thirdly it is to bee imputed to their ignorance which cannot orderly ⟨p. 49⟩apply the same to thēselues, which faithfully and truly hath been taught of others. Concerning them which sin of malice, it onely appertaineth to God to amend them: which surely hee hath done alwaies in his season, and like wise will doe from time to time, to whom hee hath appointed to shew mercy. But for others which remain obstinate in their sinne and wickednes, there is no cause why we should be mooued either for their number, or authority, to dissemble Gods truth. And as touching the second sort, I haue thought these things principally to be obserued in preaching this mysterie.¹

1. 1What discretion the matter it self requireth.