B07586:13
A Christian letter
A Christian letter, containing a grave and godly admonition to such as make separation from the church assemblies in England and elsewhere. Written in Latin, by that most Reverend and learned man, Master Francis Junius, divinity reader at Leiden in Holland, and translated into English, by R G..A Christian letter, containing a graue and godly admonition to such as make separation from the church assemblies in England and elsewhere. VVritten in Latine, by that most Reuerend and learned man, Master Francis Iunius, diuinitie reader at Leyden in Holland, and translated into English, by R G..
London: printed for Robert Dexter, 1602
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.
I have showed that there is some error in that end. Let us come to the fact. In the fact ye have framed a purgation of your selves. That thing is denied to none, if there shall be a cause, if a measure, if a place, if a time. But wherefore with me brethren, who do neither hear these accusations of yours; neither if I should hear them would I receive them rashly? Wherefore in public? ⟨image 6⟩where ye know that it falleth out for the most part, that they who purge themselves, before they be accused, either betray them selves, either raise such suspicions against themselves as they can not afterward easily wash away. Ye know that the public voice is neither a just judge oftentimes, nor at any time almost a lawful Judge; so greatly doth malice prevail and bear sway in the public. Therefore ye appeal to these Judges, who can neither judge, nor take knowledge: finally, they are not only no Judges, but not so much as witnesses: so the private cause is not furthered, and the public is many ways hindered. Ye will say then, who shall be? What judges, what witnesses shall we appeal unto? Your own preface shall answer ye for me. For when ye pronounce that ye have found a place of rest by the mercy of God in these places (ye do acknowledge I think your own words) ye plainly signify two things. One, that if ye have found a place of rest, ye shall do wisely, if ye do not stir, where ye may be in quiet. The other that where you have a lodging, and a quiet seat that there ye must also be judged, there you must receive the judgement of your doctrine and faith, if ye will have the same lawfully known and approved. Ye are in a Church furnished with the servants of God, whose piety, learning, and brotherly love to the members of Christ good men do know. It is an unlawful course verily, to omit those among whom ye are and to appeal to another Church, or to the whole public state, or to me who am a weak member therein, either in part, or in common. This order is godly, just, lawful, and tendeth to the peace, and edification, which you ought first, modestly to regard, and to which I being a weak brother, am bounden by brotherly duty, to all my brethren, that go astray, and not to be carried headlong, and to rush upon the knowledge of these things by this means offered; besides all equity and good order.
I haue shewed that there is some errour in that end. Let vs come to the fact. In the fact yee haue framed a purgation of your selues. That thing is denyed to none, if there shall be a cause, if a measure, if a place, if a time. But wherefore with mee brethren, who doe neither heare these accusations of yours; neither if I should heare them would I receiue them rashly? Wherefore in publick?