A69075:2064
Christian religion
Christian religion: substantially, methodically[e,] [pla]inlie, and profitably treatisedChristian religion: substantially, methodicalli[e,] [pla]inlie, and profitablie treatised
London: printed by Felix Kingston for Thomas Man, 1611
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.
To convey the powers of it into all the members: for as the natural members take spirit and sense from the head; so the church hath her spiritual life and feeling of Christ; who is only able to quicken and give life. Whom by this title of the head of the Church Paul lifteth up above all Angels, Archangels, principalities and powers. And therefore if the Pope were the successor of Peter and Paul, yet should he not be therefore the head of the Church; which agreeth to no simple creature in heaven or under heaven.
To conueie the powers of it into all the members: for as the naturall members take spirit and sense from the head; so the church hath her spiritual life and feeling of Christ; who is only able to quicken and giue life. Whom by this title of the head of the Church Paul lifteth vp aboue all Angels, Archangels, principalities and powers. And therefore if the Pope were the successor of Peter and Paul, yet should he not be therefore the head of the Church; which agreeth to no simple creature in heauen or vnder heauen.
But may not the pope be a ministerial head?
But may not the pope be a ministeriall head?
It would make the Church a monster, if it should ⟨p. 197⟩have moe heads at once then one: or to be at any time without a needful head; as it must needs be in the death of the pope. Besides that, when Christ is always effectually present in his Church by his spirit, what needs he to have a vicar or deputy?1
It would make the Church a monster, if it should