A68595:12
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.
But not in th[…] true sign of Christian integrity, whic[…] is upright conversation and goodly[…] Thus here in England many idle v[…] learned Chaplains and Priests b[…] found of the costs and charges of poor Parishes, so that for lack of preaching many poor Souls be defrauded of th[…] sweet milk of Gods word▪ and lac[…] teachers to declare to them their duty[…] towards God and their Prince. This […] a rejoicing to the enemy, and pleasau[…] news to those which gape and lo[…] that the end of these abuses, & disorde[…] will be the destruction and ruin of th[…] flourishing Realm. And so is to be feared that it will, except the insatiable c• uetousnesse, and carnal liberty •e w[…] ⟨image 5⟩[…]d out. And that wicked Idolatrous murderers of Gods people, and disobedient to his word and laws, may be cut off, that Gods wrath and indignation may be pacified by amendment, according to God's express word, Deuteronomy thirteen Chapter: Thine eye shall not pity such one, nor show mercy to him, but he shall be slain. And so shalt thou take the evil away forth of the midst of thee, sayeth the Lord God. (Read the whole Chapter.) Also Saint Paul to the Hebrews the tenth Chapter. If he that despiseth Moses Law, ought to dye without mercy, how much more punishment deserveth he that treadeth under foot the son of God, and counteth the blood of the new Testament an unholy thing? But some have not only trodden under foot, but also mocked, despised and most cruelly burnt the Testament and word of the eternal God, and also tormented and shamefully murdered his true and faithful servants, ⟨image 6⟩and preachers the deer members of Jesus Christ his son. And most blasphe▪ mously contemning the holy sacraments truly ministered, and all godly ecclesiastical orders and discipline. To redress of these enormities must come by y• magistrates, for they are powers ordained and exalted of God, for the same intent▪ If they be not redressed, and that short▪ lie, in stead of the comfortable promises of God, we shall be oppressed with the terrible plagues which he threateneth to the breakers of his law. As dearth, war, pestilence, and other his scourges, as we be threatened now of late by the punishment of our neighbours in France. Happy are those that can be admonished by the fall of others, and amend.