A68595:342
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.
21 What is to be answered to those which allege councils against us.
21 VVhat is to be aunswered to those which alledge councels against vs.
Behold briefly the very end and mark whereunto the Councils ought to have regard. But to conclude this matter, we do not reject the Councils, but take occasion by this means to declare how great enemies they be to the Council, which brag and vaunt them selves most of the counsels. We do not intend to establish the authority of Counsels in such wise, that our faith be grounded thereupon. For S. Paul declareth that he would not enterprise this preeminence, which appertaineth to the only Lord and master of the church Jesus Christa, but first we must consider what Counsels they allege: Howe they have been convocated and assembled: In what time, in what place, and who were the Judges: To ⟨p. 162⟩what end and purpose. But principally the doctrine must be considered whether it be conformable to the word of God, and as it was heretofore in the Apostles time by the doctrine of Saint Paul, as S. Luke doth witnessb, and as Saint Paul him self ordainedc. In fine we hold and agree with the testimony of the Church, so that it accordeth with the word of God, & that it be the true church and none otherwise. And as I have often said, so far is it from us to reject the ancient counsels, that on the contrary if we had none other defence for our selves we hope to declare before GOD & the world, that there is no more greater and open enemies to the Counsels, then those which make the poor in rants to believe, that they be the pillars of Christendom, and for this cause do ma[…] and keep the world in ignorance and yndnes […].