A68840:1873
Most fruitful [and] learned co[m]mentaries of Doctor Peter Martyr Vermil Florentine, professor of divinity,…Most fruitfull [and] learned co[m]mentaries of Doctor Peter Martir Vermil Florentine, professor of deuinitie,…
Most fruitful [and] learned co[m]mentaries of Doctor Peter Martyr Vermil Florentine, professor of divinity, in the University of Tygure with a very profitable tract of the matter and places. Herein is also added [and] contained two most ample tables, aswell of the matter, as of the words: with an index of the places in the holy scripture. Set forth & allowed, according to the order appointed in the Queens majesties injunctions.Most fruitfull [and] learned co[m]mentaries of Doctor Peter Martir Vermil Florentine, professor of deuinitie, in the Vniuersitye of Tygure with a very profitable tract of the matter and places. Herein is also added [and] contained two most ample tables, aswel of the matter, as of the wordes: wyth an index of the places in the holy scripture. Set forth & allowed, accordyng to thorder appointed in the Quenes maiesties iniunctions.
London: printed by John Day, 1564London: printed by Iohn Day, 1564
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.
They bring forth also the .8. chapter of Esdras, where Artaxerxes provided that when he had laid a tribute upon the Jews, there should be nothing levied of the Levites in the name of a tribute. But this is not to be marvelled at, seeing the Levites had no lands to pay tribute of. For unto them pertained only oblations, first fruits, and tenths. For which cause they were released of tributes. Also Julius Cesar de bello Gallico saith,1 that the Druids which were Priests in Gallia paid no tributes. But Pliny in his .16. book and .44. chapter, writeth that the Druids had no lands. And yet are not these things spoken to this end, that I should think that it is not lawful for the Magistrate to deal somewhat more gently with them, and somewhat to bear with them:2 Because they must always apply themselves to holy things, and study for nothing else. Whereby it cometh to pass, that they can not increase their substance, yea rather very oftentimes they suffer great loss, neither have they their stipends, but during their life. This thing only I disallow, that they claim unto themselves immunity, both real and personal, they utterly refuse both ordinary and extraordinary charges, and that by tyranny or against the word of God, and for that the Pope will not suffer princes to exact tributes of Bishops and Ecclesiastical men, when they will themselves: and because they will not give them, if they be required. The word of God hath otherwise commanded, when it saith, let every soul be subject unto the higher power. And therefore (sayeth he) ye pay tributes. None is excepted: neither would Christ himself be exempted.3 Chrysostom upon that place of Paul: It may (saith he) seem grievous unto Christians, for that they being the children of God and appointed for the kingdom of heaven, are subject unto princes of this world. But he answereth: Whilst we are in this life, our dignity is hidden. For it appeareth not what we shall be. Wherefore whilst we live here, let it not be grievous unto us to rise up to the Magistrate, to give them the way, and to honour them. These things are full of comeliness and are decently ⟨image 270⟩done of the saints. Now that we are regenerate by the word and the spirit, it might seem that we need no Magistrate.