A68595:171
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.
17 The second difference in the matter of good works, is to know from whence they proceed.
17 The seconde difference in the matter of good workes, is to know from vvhence they proceede.
The second difference in this matter of works, is concerning the very root or spring from whence they do proceed. For we deny not simply that faith and good works proceed from our intelligence and will, being first prevented, changed, aided, ⟨image 55⟩and accompanied by the grace of God. But before all this we affirm and say that in searching the root or first spring of that little goodness which is in us, utterly there is no beginning at all of any natural disposition in us, to receive the grace to the end that such disposition should be assisted by the second grace. But clean contrary there is naturally in us nothing but darkness, aand enmity against God, bwherefore it was needful y• god should of his only mercy, first of all draw us, cthat is to say, to make us altogether new creatures, dconcerning the qualities, lightening those which be not only partly blinded, but utterly darkness it self, giving us hearts to understand,