A10170:396
The other part of Christian questions and answers which is concerning the sacraments, writ[n]…The other parte of Christian questions and answeares which is concerning the sacraments, writte[n]…
The other part of Christian questions and answers which is concerning the sacraments, writ[n] by Theodore Beza Vezelian: to which is added a large table of the same questions. Translated out of Latin into English by John Field.The other parte of Christian questions and answeares which is concerning the sacraments, writte[n] by Theodore Beza Vezelian: to which is added a large table of the same questions. Translated out of Latine into Englishe by Iohn Field.
London: printed by Thomas Dawson for Thomas Woodcocke, 1580
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.
85. Question.
But when thou shalt say that the Sacraments ⟨image 73⟩were added unto the simple word, to the end, the more plainly to show forth the promises, many men marvel that these figurative speeches are used in the Sacraments, in which the speech ought rather to be most proper and most plain, least any should be deceived.
But when thou shalt say that the Sacramentes ⟨image 73⟩were added vnto the simple word, to the end, the more plainly to shew foorth the promises, many men meruaile that these figuratiue speeches are vsed in the Sacramentes, in which the speech ought rather to be most proper and most plaine, least any should be deceiued.
Answer. Here I pray thee mark what bold rashness the spirit of error hath in slandering, and what power it hath (when it pleaseth God) in persuading. For these men affirm, that the figurative speeches are more obscure then those that are proper: but contrariwise they themselves also teach & give many precepts concerning this matter, that Orators do very well use figures, not too darken, but to set out and make more plain their speech. Now they are very well used, when they both adorn that that we would have spoken with a certain dignity and grace, and better infix it in the minds of the hearers, then if any man should use a plain and simple speech. ⟨image 74⟩Now forasmuch as the Sacraments are therefore instituted that they may lead our understanding too an other thing, which by Gods ordinance they signify from that which they are by nature: or rather, that I may use the words of S. Augustine against Maximinus. Lib. 3. cap, 18. that we mark, not what they are, but what they set out and show, because they are signs of things showing one thing and signifying another: who seeth not that the nature and use of the Sacraments is much better fixed in the mind of the hearer, when the signs are said to be the thing it self that they signify? Let us set down for example sake, that we may dwell still upon the former example that the Major or Magistrate of a Town or City of whom possession is given unto thee of some house delivering thee a key upon this condition, and speaking unto thee after this manner, this key is that same house standing in that place, which