A68595:338
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.
19 The second point which is to be considered in the ecclesiastical ordinances.
19 The seconde poynt which is to be considered in the ecclesiasticall ordinaunces.
THE second point, forasmuch as such ordinances and statutes be made to increase the doctrine of the Gospel, let them be established and set up in such wise, that not only there be no abuse or kind of superstition, but also the man which of his nature is prompt & ready to turn the best things in the world into abuse, should not so easily abuse them. And this must needs be gram ted that for lack of taking good heed in the beginning to this point, hath been the very means to serve Satan's turn for to abolish and destroy the true service of God in his Church: so that if need were, we could she we before ⟨p. 96⟩•he eyes of all men, from time to time and point to point, from what original & beginning Idolatry did spring and proceeded, which at this day they call Gods service, and how they have degenerated from degree to degree, by the negligence of the Bishops, and especially by the fault of those which have been to quick to bring things into the Church, without having respect to those things which after did come to pass.
THE seconde poynt, for asmuch as such ordinaunces and statutes be made to encrease the doctrine of ye Gospell, let them be established and set vp in such wyse, that not onelie there be no abuse or kinde of superstition, but also ye man which of his nature is prompt & ready to turne the best thinges in the world into abuse, should not so easely abuse them. And this must néeds be graū ted that for lacke of takinge good héede in the begynning to this poynt, hath bene the verie meanes to serue Satans turne for to abolyshe and destroye the true seruice of God in his Churche: so that if néede were, we coulde she we before