A68840:266
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.
Secondly we declared by the opinion of Appianus, 1that prodition was far worser than besieging, because this namely besieging is done by enemies, but the other by friends. We will easily grant to that: for if a naughty and unjust prodition be conferred also with an unjust besieging,2 than shall prodition be judged far worser, for as much as it cometh from friends, of whom we look neither to be hurt, nor yet to receive any damage. But even as some besieging is found just, what inconvenience shall it be then, or not agreeing with the truth, if some prodition also be found just? The comparison therefore ⟨image 46⟩of Appianus, is so to be understand, that either of the things compared together be evil. For as the Grammarians say, the comparative degree always requireth the positive degree, wherein the comparison is made. And in that Theodosius the Emperor (as Jerome testifieth) did put to death a betrayer, it is no marvel, when as the Roman laws so ordained in the digests, & in the Codice as it is before showed & they determine so of the prodition, whereby places of munition are delivered up to the enemies,3 & likewise for treason. And assuredly that prodition which is evil, ought to be counted for a most grievous crime. For if thereby come any loss of name or fame, then is it against the commandment of god, which commandeth. Thou shalt not bear false witness. But if it bring loss of good and possessions, then is the commandment broken which is ordained against theft. Finally if it be the cause of loss of body & life, it violateth the precept, wherein god hath commanded, Thou shalt not kill. And there is no doubt, but that of proditions such murders oftentimes happen: for the inhabitants of cities which are betrayed, are wont to be slain of their enemies.4 Wherefore when yt war is unjust, the wicked betrayer is guilty of the murder which thereof followeth. And therefore if laws or princes have ordained death for this wicked crime, I think it is not unjustly done: but ye letteth not, but that there may be good proditions found. Who doubteth but that thieves should be hanged, when as nevertheless it s lawful in just war to take spoils from the enemies.