A68595:508
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.
But because they allege to us the succession of the Apostles, as if that were a sure argument, it must be seen of what force this reason is, at the least in the government which they call the ecclesiastical Hierarchy. First I say, they presuppose a foundation utterly false, that is to wit, the Church to be joined or tied to a certain nation see, or place, considering that all the Scripture, and the experience of that we see with our eyes, be all together contrary.
But bycause they alleadge to vs the succession of the Apostles, as if that were a sure argument, it muste be séene of what force thys reason is, at the least in the gouernemente whyche they call the ecclesiasticall Hierarchie. Fyrste I saye, they presuppose a foundation vtterly false, that is to wit, the Churche to be ioyned or tyed to a certaine nation sée, or place, consydering that all the Scripture, and the experience of that we sée wyth oure eyes, be all together contrary.
Secondly, these which enter not by the door of the house, be not called pastors, neither successors of true pastors, although they occupy the same places, but rather robbers & thieves: And it is not ordained that false pastors or Prophets should be obeyed as successors of Prophets. But we must take heed, and separate our selves ⟨image 177⟩from every one, that teacheth any other doctrine than this of God. Also S. Paul said, that he is accursed, and to be cut off from the Church, which should bring any other Gospel (that is to say any other doctrine of Salvation) than his. He excepteth not the Angels: but he passeth further, and prophesieth that those which should do thus, should sit in the Temple of God, that is to say, should hold the place of Pastors and Elders. And S. John declareth sufficiently in his Apocalypse, that it should be namely within Rome, as the ancient writers have understand it.
Secondlye, these whyche enter not by the doore of the house, be not called pastoures, neyther successours of true pastours, although they occupy the same places, but rather robbers & theues: And it is not ordayned that false pastoures or Prophets should be obayed as successoures of Prophets. But we muste take heede, and separate oure selues