A68595:404
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 Howe far they are bound to obey the magistrate.
33 Howe far they are bounde to obey the magistrate.
AS there is no faithful man exempt from the obedience which be oweth to Jesus Christ, reigning in his Church, be it king, prince or subject, so there is none from the greatest to the least which oweth not voluntary obedience to his Magistrate, as ordained of Goda. Yea, although the Magistrate were a tyrant, except in one point only, that is to say, if he command to do things which were against Gods word. For in this case as the Apostles said, we must rather obey God then man, for otherwise we extol men above Godb. ⟨p. 126⟩It is not then rebellion to disobey Princes, when they would cause us to do that which God forbiddeth, or to defend• or forbid that which God commandeth. But in this poynt• there must be such a mean kept, that they do not pass or exceed their vocation. For the Apostles obeyed not to those which for bad and defended them to preach Jesus Christ, as also they took to them no weapon or armour, which appertained not to them. Also we must note, that there is difference between doing wrong to another and to suffer wrong done to us. Now for the first, it is forbidden us▪ never to do wrong: But especially commanded us to suffer the injuries done to us for the honour of GODc