A09411:26
An exposition of the Symbol or Creed of the Apostles according to the tenor…An exposition of the Symbole or Creed of the Apostles according to the tenour…
An exposition of the Symbol or Creed of the Apostles according to the tenor of the Scriptures, and the consent of orthodox Fathers of the Church. By William Perkins.An exposition of the Symbole or Creed of the Apostles according to the tenour of the Scriptures, and the consent of orthodoxe Fathers of the Church. By William Perkins.
Cambridge: printed by John Legatt, 1595Cambridge: printed by Iohn Legatt, 1595
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.
Further, it may be demanded, in what form this Creed was penned? Answ. In the form of an answer to a question. The reason is this. In the Primitive Church, when any man was turned from Gentilism to the faith of Christ, and was to be baptised, this aquestion was asked him, What believest thou? then he answered according to the form of the Creed, I believe in God, &c. And this manner of questioning was used even from the time of the Apostles. When the Eunuch was converted, by Philip, he said, What doth let me to be baptised? Philip said, If thou doest believe with all thine heart, thou mayest. Then he answered,2 I believe that Jesus Christ is the son of God. By this it appears, that although all men, for the most part, amongst us can say this Creed, yet not one of a thousand can tell the ancient and first use of it: for commonly at this day of the simpler sort it is said for a prayer, being indeed no prayer: and when it is used so, men make it no better then a charm.
Futther, it may be demaunded, in what forme this Creed was penned? Answ. In the forme of an answer to a question. The reason is this. In the Primitiue Church, when any man was turned from Gentilisme to the faith of Christ, and was to be baptised, this aquestion was asked him, What beleeuest thou? then he answered according to the forme of the Creede, I beleeve in God, &c. And this manner of questioning was used euen from the time of the Apostles. When the Eunuch was converted, by Philip, he said, What doth let me to be baptised? Philip said, If thou doest beleeve with all thine heart, thou maiest. Then he answered,2 I beleeve that Iesus Christ is the sonne of God. By this it appeares, that although all men, for the most part, amongst vs can say this Creede, yet not one of a thousand can tell the ancient and first use of it: for commonly at this day of the simpler sort it is said for a prayer, being indeede no prayer: and when it is used so, men make it no better then a charme.
- aCyril. Catec. 1. Mystag. Tertull. de resurrect. Origē. bond. 5. in Nun.