A68595:369
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.
33 To what purpose or end serveth the ecclesiastical jurisdiction and which be the parts thereof.
33 To what purpose or ende serueth the ecclesiasticall iurisdiction and which be the partes therof.
The cause and purpose of the ecclesiastical, jurisdiction tendeth to one end, that is to say, that all the body of the Church in general, and every member of the same in particular, be p•esor•ed and entertained in doctrine and well doing according to the will and word of God. Now the continuance hereof consisteth in good laws, and in the good observation of the same. And that the laws either be made, touching the doctrine of salvation generally, that is to wit, concerning their duty which they owe to God and their neighbours, or concerning the regiment or manner of doing, which every one ought to keep in his charge or office. It followeth then that this jurisdiction ought to be divided into two principal parts. The first is concerning the authority to ordain & appoint those things which concern as well doctrine and manners, as the regiment which every one ought to keep in his degree. The second in the punishing of those which offend, in the observation ⟨p. 114⟩of any of these two things, But concerning the first part, which lieth in the power to decree or ordain, we have already declared here above, that God hath received to him self, fully and entirely to prescribe laws pertaining to the conscience, for us to walk in them uprightly before God and man. Wherefore there resteth no more but the other part, which concerneth the discipline and regiment which is required, that all things be done by good order, as we have treated amply in speaking of the authority of the body of the Church.