A68840:343
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.
1These superstitious men go forward, and by the example of Naaman the Syrian will prove that it is permitted them, to be present at the most filthy Masses. Naaman prayed Elisha the Prophet, that if he bowed his knee in the temple of the Idol Rimnon, when the king, which leaned his hand on his shoulder, should so do, he would implore for him mercy and forgiveness of GOD. To whom Elisha answered only, go in peace. These our men ought to consider with them selves whether they only have seen and read this divine history. I think not: For the holy Martyrs in the old Church were studious day and night in the holy Scriptures. Wherefore this history of Naaman was not hidden from them. And what cause was there then, that they would not follow such an example, and that with the loss of their life? These ancient noble men and pillars of our faith saw that, which our adversaries reckon not with them selves, namely that that Naaman which is set before us, was newly converted unto the true God, and was yet a weak soldier, who was not also yet ready, to deny both his own and him self for Gods cause, but desired after a sort to keep his old place and dignity with his king. The which thing to attain unto, he saw that it might easily come to pass that he should fall into the sin, which he declared unto the holy Prophet.2 And when he knew right well that the same agreed not with true godliness, he required the prayers and intercession of the man of GOD, whereby he falling of weakness, his fault might be forgiven him. Otherwise there is none which needeth to ask ⟨p. 51⟩pardon for that which he thinketh is lawful for him to do. We make intercessions for sins, and not for things permitted us. Wherefore this place maketh much against our adversaries, and that that is sin which they most earnestly go about to excuse, is manifestly proved by this history. I would to God they would diligently mark in that action, that which their Naaman self: And if they should fall (as this man feared that he should fall) they would not cloak it with a vain defence, but would implore the mercy of God, and prayers of holy men, that that may gently be forgiven them,3 which they naughtily have committed. Neither did Elisha (as they persuade themselves) give Naaman the Syrian liberty to go unto Idols, he said only: Go in peace.