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…

First, as in all other things 1, so chiefly in this matter of ⟨p. 50⟩predestination, they ought to take diligent heed, that in stead of Gods pure and simple truth, they bring not forth vain and curious speculations or dreams 2. which thing they cannot choose but do, which go about to compass and accord these secret judgements of GOD with mans wisdom; and so do not only put difference betwixt predestination, and the purpose of God, which thing they must needs do, but separate the one from the other: for they either imagine a certain naked and idle permission, or else make a double purpose & counsel in God. From the which errors, they must needs fall into many & great absurdities. For sometimes they are constrained to ⟨p. 51⟩divide those things, which of themselves are joined most straightly: and sometimes, they are compelled to invent a great sort of foolish & dark distinctions, wherein the far her they occupy them selves and search, the wider they stray from the purpose• and so entangle their miserable brains, that they can find no way out. This then ought to be avoided, with all careful diligence chiefly in this matter, which above all other, ought purely and sincerely to be taught in the Church of God.

First, as in al other things 1, so chiefly in this matter of ⟨p. 50⟩predestination, they ought to take diligent heed, that in stead of Gods pure and simple truth, they bring not forth vaine and curious speculations or dreams 2. which thing they cannot chuse but do, which goe about to compasse and accord these secret iudgements of GOD vvith mans wisedome; and so doe not onely put difference betwixt predestination, and the purpose of God, which thing they must needs do, but separate the one from the other: for they either imagine a certaine naked and idle permission, or else make a double purpose & counsell in God. From the which errors, they must needs fall into many & great absurdities. For sometimes they are constrained to ⟨p. 51⟩diuide those things, which of themselues are ioyned most straightly: and sometimes, they are compelled to inuent a great sort of foolish & darke distinctions, wherein the far her they occupy thē selues and search, the vvider they stray from the purpose and so intangle their miserable braines, that they can find no way out. This then ought to be auoided, vvith all carefull diligence chiefly in this matter, which aboue all other, ought purely and sincerely to be taught in the Church of God.