A68595:339
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.
20 The third consideration that ought to be had in ecclesiastical ordinances.
20 The thyrde consideration that ought to be had in ecclesiasticall ordinaunces.
The third point, for as much as men be so prompt and ready to love their own inventions, and to turns the true Religion into superstition, and also the time of the shadows of the law is passed, and that God now will be served in spirit and trueth, and not in outward ceremoniesa: Therefore above all things special regard must be had that nothing be brought into the Church, but that which is profitable ⟨image 118⟩and also very meet and necessary. Wherefore concerning this point we do content our selves with that state which we know was ordained and used in the Church in the time of the Apostles, and accept that for the most pure and most holy state: although of a long time many traditions have been attributed to the Apostles, which they never thought▪ as Saint Augustine well knew and confessed. But certainly the purest simplicity is the best, and the more Jesus Christ is plainly and simply declared, the more it is agreeable to his word. So on the contrary, these other religions which feed the world with outward shows and trifles (and in deed if the Church of God had need of so many Ceremonies, wherefore have they then abolished those of Moses law, considering that they were instituted and commanded by the mouth of God) do they think it lawful to make new ceremonies and sacraments according to their own desire, for to shadow and ⟨p. 97⟩hide Jesus Christ from us again? Such ceremonies then ought to be abolished as not only unprofitable, but also condemned, being directly against y institution of Jesus Christ, and him self witnesseth