A68595:511
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.
Thirdly, if they be the successors of the Apostles, then must the Apostles be their Predecessors. But that case is clean contrary, for in their ecclesiastical regiment there be two sorts of estates, of the which one of them was utterly unknown, not only to the Apostles, but also to all the Christian church, the which may not, neither ought to be maintained or supported in any case. The other, concerning their names, be not now in the Church, but notwithstanding, they be so disguised in effect, as the light is no more contrary to the darkness, then these be contrary to those▪ whose names they bear. Then I conclude, that there is nought in all their case, but an horrible confusion, declaring sufficiently of what father they be children.
Thyrdly, if they be the successours of the Apostles, then must the Apostles be theyr Predecessours. But that case is cleane contrary, for in their ecciesiastical regiment there be two sortes of estates, of the which one of them was vtterlye vnknowen, not only to the Apostles, but also to al the Christian church, the which maye not, neyther ought to be maintayned or supported in any case. The other, concerning their names, be not nowe in the Church, but notwithstanding, they be so disguised in effect, as the light is no more contrary to the darknes, then these be contrary to those▪ whose names they beare. Then I conclude, that there is nought in all their case, but an horryble confusion, declaring sufficiently of what father they be chyldren.
In the first place, I will speak of the Pope, for as much as he calleth himself head of the Church with the Cardinals, the Suffragans, Officials, Proctors, Vicars, Chaplains, Provosts, Priors, with all their sequels.
In the fyrst place, I wyl speake of the Pope, for as much as he calleth himselfe head of the Church with the Cardinals, the Suffraganes, Officials, Proctours, Vicars, Chaplains, Prouostes, Priors, with all their sequels.