A68595:256
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.
38. The first point is to understand what we do mean by the name of sign, in this matter of Sacraments, and wherefore the Lord did chose for signs the most vulgar and common things.
38. The first point is to vnderstand what we doe meane by the name of signe, in this matter of Sacramentes, and wherefore the Lorde did chose for signes the most vulgar and common thinges.
Concerning that which we call sign, we mean not by that word a bare sign, naked and empty, as a thing represented or painted by a ⟨p. 64⟩Painter, or some other simple memorial, but we understand of signs which representeth to us most great and excellent things, declared effectually in the lively word of God, as hereafter we shall declare. Also in these Sacraments be offered spiritually and veritably those things which be outwardly represented by them. Moreover, it is to be noted that we do comprehend under the name of signs, not only the material things of the Sacraments, as the water of Baptism, the bread and w[…] in the supper, but beside the word joined with the signs (which declareth the will of God in us, being preached and expounded plainly) we understand furthermore by the name of signs, the Ceremonies ordained of God in all this mystery, the which have no less signification then the material things, to th• which Ceremonies it is not lawful for man to join or put to any new things, neither to diminish without sacrilege: I speak of those[…] ⟨image 87⟩spiritual of their own nature, but by the ordinance of Jesus Christ. For water of his nature is made to wash when we will wet us with it. Bread and wine is to nourish the body being eaten & drunken. But in the Sacraments these things have another purpose clean contrary, as we shall say hereafter We may use a similitude for it better understanding hereof. Take ware which is fastened to a writing or public instrument, and it differeth not from other Ware of it self, but only because of the use to the which it is appointed, that is to say, to serve for a testimony that the instrument is effectual and available, the which it hath not of nature, but by the ordinance of man. But concerning the Sacraments they be ordained of God for a more excellent covenant.