A68595:335
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.
18 The first point to consider the case well, when or at what time they should set up politic laws in the Church.
18 The fyrst poynt to consider the case well, when or at what tyme they should set vp politike lawes in the Church.
First there ought to be put great difference between the doctrine of salvation, and those things which they establish only for to keep the civill order required in the church. For the doctrine under the which also we do comprehend the Sacraments, do teach the conscience, & dependeth not upon man, who is bound to maintain it, under pain of damnation, without changing, putting to, or diminishing any thing, in no manner of wise, as we have declared ⟨p. 94⟩heretofore: but the canonical ordinances concerning the manner of doing, is all exterior and outwardly, according to the circumstances of places, times and persons: by reason whereof they can neither be perpetual nor universal without exception.
FIrst there ought to be put great difference betwene the doctrine of saluation, and those things which they establish onely for to kéepe the ciuill order required in the church. For the doctrine vnder the which also we doo comprehende the Sacraments, do teach the conscience, & dependeth not vpon man, who is bounde to mayntaine it, vnder paine of damnation, without chaūging, putting to, or dyminishing any thing, in no manner of wise, as we haue declared ⟨p. 94⟩heretofore: but the canonicall ordinaunces concerning the manner of doing, is all exterior and outwardlye, according to the cyrcumstances of places, tymes and persons: by reason whereof they can neyther be perpetuall nor vniuersall without exception.