A68595:449
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.
First of confirmation.
First of confyrmation.
Concerning confirmation it is certain that the true ancient Bishops examined those which were baptised in their infancy, and caused them to render confession of their faith, when they were come of age, for to confirm them. And after in laying hands upon their head (which is a most ancient ceremony, the which Jesus Christ & his Apostles have used) commended them to God. The same also was done to those which were seduced by Heretics, and after were teturned to the Church. Now for us, God be thanked, this examination and instruction is reestablished, and diligently exercised in our Churches. But these contrariwise, having utterly abolished ⟨p. 144⟩the cause of any such manner of doings, notwithstanding, have made a fair sacrament without word, promise, or ordinance of God, after they have put to their cream, oil, & what they list else, because the laying on of hands with prayer, seemeth to them, to be a very light thing. Finally, for to join an execrable blasphemy to their ignorance, have not ben ashamed to prefer their sacrament of confirmation before the holy baptism, as their Canons declareth plainly.
Concerning confirmation it is certain that the true auncient Byshops examined those whiche were baptised in theyr infancie, and caused them to render confession of theyr fayth, when they were come of age, for to confirme them. And after in laying handes vpon theyr heade (which is a most ancient ceremonie, the which Iesus Christe & his Apostles haue vsed) commended thē to God. The same also was done to those which were seduced by Heretykes, and after were teturned to the Church. Nowe for vs, God be thanked, this examynation and instruction is reestablyshed, and dilygently exercysed in our Churches. But these contrarywise, hauing vtterly abolyshed