A68595:423
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.
Moreover, if the death and passion of Jesus Christ be sufficient to salvation and if he be the true Jesus, that is to say, true and only saviour, how then shall that be true which they say, that there is but the fault or offence pardoned? and concerning the pain, that it is only changed from eternal into temporal, in such sort that we must pay it in this world, or in another. But if this be false, as it is most false, what ground have they then to build their merit and satisfaction towards God, their Purgatory and indulgences and such like?
Moreouer, if the death and passion of Iesus Christe bee sufficient to saluation and if he be the true Iesus, that is to saye, true and onelye sauiour, howe then shall that be true which they saye, that there is but the faulte or offence pardoned? and concerninge the payne, that it is onelye chaunged from eternall into temporall, in suche sorte that we must paye it in this worlde, or in another. But if this bée false, as it is most false, what grounde haue they then to buylde theyr meryte and satisfaction towardes God, their Purgatorie and indulgences and such lyke?
Item, if man ought to satisfy and pay of his own, for the pain due for his offences, the which can not be done without the merits and suffrages of ⟨p. 131⟩other by reason whereof he must be in the fire of Purgatory, until some other have payed for him and in his name: From whence then cometh the merits of Saints which the Pope selleth to us? and how can they discharge other, which cease not to augment their own debt daily? And what notary hath made or written any such covenant or contracts? Behold many of the ancient doctors condemned this opinion, as S. Cyprian against Dimetrian in the first Tract, Saint Therome upon the sixth Chapter of the Epistle of Saint Paul to the Galatians. Saint Chrysostom in the Sermon of Lazarus, yea namely Saint Gregory in the fourth Book of his Dialogues nine and thirty Chapter leaveth not to be purged in Purgatory the least offence.
Item, if man ought to satisfye and paye of his owne, for the payne due for his offences, the which can not bée done without the merytes and suffrages of