A68595:188
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.
As when David and Saint Peter fell so beastly, yet there is no doubt but they lamented and sorrowed, until they felt the working of their regeneration and sanctification, But being in their temptation, they stayed them selves upon the Anchor of the testimony which the spirit of God brought into their conscience, which caused them not to doubt (not withstanding their ⟨p. 39⟩fall) but that they were the children of God, and that their fault was forgiven them.
As when Dauid and Sainct Peter fell so beastly, yet there is no doubt but they lamented and sorrowed, vntyll they felt the workyng of theyr regeneration and sanctification, But béeyng in theyr temptation, they stayed them selues vpon the Anker of the testymonye which the spirite of God broughte into their conscyence, whyche caused them not to doubte (not withstandynge theyr ⟨p. 39⟩fall) but that they were the children of God, and that theyr fault was forgeuen them.
Secondly, although both these operations and effects, be very feeble and weak, yet there is no cause to be discouraged. For it is not required of us for to believe bfully and perfectly but to believe only, in such wise as if one little spark of faith, and so following one little motion of the working of it, (so that it be true and unfeignedly, that is to say coming from the true root of faith) be sufficient to assure us of our salvation. The reason is, for that our salvation is not only stayed upon our faith (although without faith none can be saved) but upon him whom we apprehend by faith, that is to say Jesus Christ. And faith is of such virtue that according to the promise of God, one little spark thereof, how little so ever it be, doth apprehend Jesus Christ fully and perfectly.
Secondly, although both these operations and effectes, bee verye féeble and weake, yet ther is no cause to be discouraged. For it is not required of vs for to beleue