A68595:10
A Brief and Pithy Sum of the Christian Faith
A brief and pithy sum of the Christian faith made in form of a confession, with a confutation of all such superstitious errors, as are contrary thereunto. Made by Theodore de Beza. Translated out of French by R.F.A briefe and piththie summe of the Christian faith made in forme of a confession, vvith a confutation of all such superstitious errours, as are contrary therevnto. Made by Theodore de Beza. Translated out of Frenche by R.F.
London: printed by Richard Serll, 1565
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.
Having read over this work (right honourable) printed in the French tongue, and also knowing the author, and being somewhat acquainted with him, who for his singular godly learning, knowledge, and conversation, •s esteemed of those y• be godly, for a pre•ious pearl sent amongst us from God •• this our troublesome age: I thought •t my duty to put it forth into the English tongue, that those my native countrymen, which do not understand the French: might be partakers of the fruit ⟨image 3⟩of so godly a work in English. And also have as it were a weapon in hand, to defend themselves against the ministers of Satan, who be ever ready to cavil against the trueth, more ready to put men in doubt, then to establish them in the true Christian faith. The true understanding of our belief is the pure gift of God, and among his gifts the chiefest Belief with knowledge of Gods word, ordereth the mind, governeth the body, directeth all our works and affairs, teaching what we ought to do, and what to leave undone, without which neither can King, Lord nor subject, well order them selves, nor those things that be committed to their charge. Now if we esteem other things to be of value and can praise them: your honour knoweth that the knowledge of true belief grounded upon Gods word, doth so far excel all other things, as heavenly treasures excel the commodities of the earth. And this is most profitable to kings, Dukes, Earls, and Lords, (as ⟨image 3⟩appeareth in the 2. Psalm, Deutero. 17 chap. and Isaiah 46. chap. where they be named the nurses of religion) and unto all other degrees spiritual or temporal. And vain are all men which know not this truly. And S. Paul said because it seemed not good to them to have the knowledge of Gods word, he gave them up into a lewd mind, & to all uncleanness, For if God be the light, such as know him not stumble in darkness. If he be the only way, the ignorant go stray. If he be the trueth, they that know him not be deceived. If he be only good, all good things must be borrowed and craved of him alone. If all knowledge & learning be his, we must be Gods scholars. If he be life, not to know him his eternal death. For it is written, this is eternal life, to know Jesus Christ whom thou hast sent to be very god. But this knowledge must we have and learn in the scriptures, as S.