A68595:190
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.
Yet not withstanding the greater our ⟨image 62⟩faith is, the greater power it hath to join us nearer & nearer, and to graft us deeper in Jesus Christ. And we ought to be displeased and to lament, when in stead of going forward we recoil and slide backward, and yet the Devil hath not won his process. Although we slide back, so that our sliding bring us to steppe up again and go the better forward.
Yet not withstandyng the greater our ⟨image 62⟩fayth is, the greater power it hath to ioyne vs nearer & nearer, and to graffe vs déeper in Iesus Christe. And wee ought to be displeased and to lament, when in steede of goinge forewarde we recoyle and slyde backwarde, and yet the Diuell hath not wonne his processe. Although we slyde backe, so that our slyding bring vs to steppe vp againe and go the better forwarde.
Thirdly when we be so lamenting and troubled for the feeling of our negligence and since, let us seek to the like examples of the Saints which were as deep in as we, or rather deeper, yet nevertheless they ceased not to pray, with assurance to be hard because they were the children of God, how great and beastly sins soever they had committed. Set before us then their examples not to continue in sin, for they continued not therein when they were waked of the Lord: but let us follow their repentance and assurance which they had of their salvation. ⟨p. 40⟩And conclude that Satan is a liar when he would make us believe that our faith was never good, although for a time the working and effects thereof were bidden, which is as much as to say there is no fire because there is no flame. Or that the trees be dead in winter, because there is no green leaves nor fruit, or appearance of life.
Thyrdlie when we be so lamenting and troubled for the feelynge of our neclygence and synnes, let vs séeke to the lyke examples of the Saintes which were as deepe in as wée, or rather deeper, yet neuerthelesse they ceased not to pray, with assurance to be hard because they were the chyldren of God, howe great and beastly sinnes soeuer they had commytted. Set before vs then their examples not to contynue in synne, for they contynued not therein when they were waked of the Lorde: but let vs folowe theyr repentaunce and assuraunte whyche they had of theyr saluation.