A treatise of the cohabitacyon of the faithfull with the vnfaithfull. / Whereunto is added. A sermon made of the confessing of Christe and his gospell, and of the denyinge of the same.

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

22151

Title

A treatise of the cohabitacyon of the faithfull with the vnfaithfull. / Whereunto is added. A sermon made of the confessing of Christe and his gospell, and of the denyinge of the same.

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

This 1555 treatise by Pietro Martire Vermigli and Heinrich Bullinger argues that the faithful may cohabit with the unfaithful provided they avoid idolatry and actively teach the truth. The text asserts that magistrates must enforce pure religion, forbidding participation in superstitious rites while permitting necessary civil interactions. It concludes with a sermon urging the simple, clear confession of Christ against the dangers of denial and persecution.

Summary up to 500 words

Published in 1555, *A Treatise of the Cohabitacyon of the Faithfull with the Vnfaithfull* by Pietro Martire Vermigli and Heinrich Bullinger addresses the complex theological and civil question of whether Christians may live among and associate with non-believers. The authors establish three critical divisions to structure their argument: the estates of men (rulers versus subjects), the nature of cohabitation (free versus compelled), and the spiritual strength of the believer (learned/strong versus weak/unlearned). For learned and strong private subjects living where they are not compelled to attend idolatrous rites, the text permits familiar conversation with the unfaithful under strict conditions. These rules mandate instructing neighbors in the truth, living a holy life to avoid scandal, refusing participation in superstitions, and maintaining association only for the purpose of conversion. If hope of conversion is lost, or if the unfaithful are in extreme necessity, the rules adjust accordingly. The authors argue that ignorance is intolerable in the unfaithful; therefore, rulers have a divine duty to teach them the truth and eventually compel them to embrace true religion, citing the example of Augustine and the Israelites. Rulers must not permit idolatry, even if not compelled by others, as seen in the condemnation of Solomon. The text further distinguishes between the Lord's Supper and the Mass, declaring the latter a profanation. It warns against eating food offered to idols, citing Paul and Revelation. The work culminates in a sermon on the necessity of confessing Christ. It contrasts the temporary sufferings of persecution with the eternal glory of heaven, encouraging believers to remain steadfast. The authors promise that God accepts imperfect efforts if the heart is sincere, urging readers to pray for strength to confess their faith openly despite worldly threats.

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• Religion
• History