B07586:8
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.
❧ Grace mercy and peace from God the father and our Saviour Jesus Christ.
❧ Grace mercie and peace from God the father and our Sauiour Iesus Christ.
I HAVE received of late (beloved brethren in Christ) a little book by one of your company; which is entitled, A confession of faith of some English men banished in Belgia, and have known your desire partly by the speech of the same messenger, partly by the preface of the writing. But as concerning my self, beloved brethren, whom peradventure ye have thought meet to be appealed unto a part, I verily see not how much I can do in this cause, or how I can fit your purpose. For I know that now long since every man doth abound in his own sense; and that those that are otherwise minded are so far to be borne with, holding the head and foundation, till the Lord reveal things further unto them. I know it is my part not to play the busy body; but that I should serve the truth and charity in my standing and measure which the Lord hath bestowed upon me, in Christian modesty and simplicity, as far as my skill and ability will stretch unto. Certainly when I considered more diligently, I thought nothing more commodious or more safe both for you and for my self, publicly in all this matter; then that we should embrace a holy silence. If there be any thing wherein we be offended, let us commit our cause to the Lord, the author of our faith, and righter of our cause. But because after a sort, you will not suffer me to be silent, and to condole in secret for the wounds of the ⟨image 5⟩Church, which is rent more then enough, by actions thrust forth in public in this our age; I will declare faithfully, and with a good conscience before God what I think: beseeching him who is author of peace and truth that he would lead both you and me alike into all trueth according to his promise, & also dispose each of our minds and affections to interpret brotherly one another's requests, answers, admonitions, and finally all our duties, although (as it cometh to pass, and is incident to man) disagreeing from our sense and taste. I observe therefore that there are three chapters in your little book, wherein you desire our counsel and judgement. The first is that head of doctrine which you profess in your little book. The second is the fact whereof ye have accused the English Churches. Lastly the third is, the conclusion which you infer by comparing that your doctrine with that practise of England;