A68595:203
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.
24 After what manner the preaching of the law serveth the holy Ghost.
24 After vvhat maner the preachyng of the lavve serueth the holy Ghost.
Understanding well the distinction of the two kinds of the word of God, that is to say, the law and the Gospel. It is easy to understand how the holy Ghost is served with them for an instrument of our salvation. ⟨image 69⟩For it is not to be doubted, but the holy Ghost doth join them to the use they were ordained. For as much then as we be all so blinded, whilst our corruption reigneth in us, that even we forget our own blindness and ignorance, aand cease not to quench out the small light of understanding which hath been left to us, to make us more inexcusable, bwe rejoice and please our selves in that which ought most to displease us. First, before all things it is requisite that the spirit of God who is all goodness, and full of all piety, do make us to understand perfectly the depth of the malediction and curse wherein we now stand, which he can not better do, than in setting before us the declaration of his law, what we ought to do, and also what we be. As the colour of black is never better set forth than when white is set by it, cso the spirit of God beginneth by the preaching of the law wherein we may see what we do owe, and what we be not ⟨p. 54⟩able to pay. And consequently how near we be to our condemnation, if there be no otherwise found some remedy. And also the inuinsible dullness which always hath reigned in the world, and reigneth yet more than ever it did, declareth sufficiently how necessary it is that God should begin at this end, to draw us to himself, that is to say, in declaring unto us, in how great and evident dangers those be which make least account of it. For the law was not given to justify us, (for if it were so the Gospel were not needful, and Jesus Christ dyed in vain, as saith Saint Paul)