A68840:928
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.
1But forasmuch as God (as it is declared) for the working of miracles, useth both evil & good, angels & men, the godly men ought not therefore to be grieved, because oftentimes he giveth not unto them this faculty. For they are not for the cause of any worse condition, then are they to whom God granteth to work miracles. For the Lord said unto his Disciples, when they returned from their embassage: Rejoice not in this, because spirits are subject unto you: rejoice ye ⟨p. 129⟩rather for this, because your names are written in heaven. There are some which are so desirous of such things, that to obtain signs, they are not afraid to use even the help of the devil: and under this pretence they excuse themselves,2 because god himself to work signs useth Satan, in following of whom they do well, so far are they of that they can be condemned guilty of any crime. They say also that Paul delivered some to the devil to be vexed: and therefore they also may use his ministry. But what manner of men are they, which will affirm that it is lawful for them to do as much as is lawful unto god? God is the author of all creatures, wherefore it is no marvel if he use them all. But unto us it is by the law of god prescribed that we should not do it.3 And the imitation of god is so far forth commended unto us, as by his law it is commanded us and no otherwise. For he revengeth his own injuries. And who will say, that private men may do the same? God adjoined unto his own burnt offering the bullock appointed for Baal (as we have have now hard) with the wood also dedicated unto the same idol: Shall every one of us therefore eat things dedicated unto idols? The rule of our actions, is the word of God. Wherefore we ought not to be drawn to imitate him, but so much as the law suffereth. That law hath he made, not for himself, but for men, that they should frame their life after it. Wherefore it was to him lawful to require of Abraham the immolation of his son, which thing none of us can require of our friend. Paul and other Apostles had evil sprites subject unto them, and by them it was sometimes lawful unto them, to punish the guilty for their salvation: Wherefore those to whom such a gift is not granted ought to abstain from exercising the same.