A68595:489
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
Treatise › Point 7 › Section 11 › Of Baptism.Treatise › Point 7 › Section 11 › Of Baptisme.
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.
Concerning Baptism, certain it is that the Lord having respect to his elected, hath not permitted that this Sacrament should be abolished in the papistry. For they baptise in the name of the Father, the Son, and the holy Ghost. The effect of Baptism, dependeth not in any wise of him which ministereth it: but yet notwithstanding, in how many sorts have they polluted it, for to bring it to nothing, and utterly to abolish it, if it had been possible.
Concerning Baptisme, certaine it is that the Lord hauing respect to his elected, hath not permytted that this Sacrament should be abolished in the papistry. For they baptise in the name of the Father, the Sonne, and the holy Ghost. The effect of Baptisme, dependeth not in any wyse of him which ministreth it: but yet notwithstanding, in howe many sortes haue they polluted it, for to bryng it to nothing, and vtterlye to abolyshe it, if it had bene possible.
First, all is said and done in an unknown language, and although they had spoke in the vulgar tongue, what declaration is there of the right use of holy Baptism, in this form and manner which they use in the papaltie.
Fyrst, all is sayde and done in an vnknowen language, and although they had spoke in the vulgare tongue, what declaration is there of the ryghte vse of holy Baptisme, in this forme and maner which they vse in the papaltie.
Secondly, how many signs and Ceremonies, have they joined to it, without the word of GOD, wherein they stay and trust more then on ⟨image 169⟩the simple and holy ordinance of Jesus Christ and the Apostles? And it serveth them to no purpose to allege antiquity. For time can not, nor may not spoil God of the honour which pertaineth to him only, as we have said in the 22. Article of the fourth point. Moreover they know well, that the ceremonies of Baptism, were never holden by the Fathers for to be of the substance of the sacrament. Therefore, when as super stition springeth, it is necessary to abolish and suppress it. For certainly it is not possible that the foolish devotion of men will be damageable to the Church when they cannot be contented with the ordinance of God.