A68595:517
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.
This shall suffice them for this time: for if it be needful to enter into further matter, there is well wherewith to banquet them of another sort.
This shall suffice them for this tyme: for if it be néedefull to enter into further matter, there is well wherewith to banket them of another sort.
Concerning Cardinals, it were needful that they should first of all declare ⟨p. 167⟩from whence they be come, the which were very difficile for them. Certainly (if we will believe the godly juggling of that Synod, which they have attributed to Sylvester Pope) their nativity did begin at Constantine. But there is yet worse, then in so long a time, and in so many Counsels, & so many books of the ancient Doctors, there is made no more mention of my Lord Cardinals titles, then if they had never been hatched. Wherefore if there were any then, it must appear that their office & charge was very small. And in deed it is evidently seen by that which they allege of Sylvester, that they were none other but Deacons, that is to say, distributers of the goods of the poor, every one in his quarter of the Town of Rome, at that time being divided in 7. quarters which they called Cardines. It is then no marvel1 though they be not named by such things as concern the affairs of the true doctrine, or the government thereof, wherein they are not seen, neither do they understand what it meaneth. ⟨image 181⟩But afterward when their Bishop was exalted. the Priests of Rome would also be a loft: and by this means the name of Cardinal was given to them, and their authority increased and grew up: For it was more then reason, but that they should have part of the booty. And for to hide or dissimule their original, they have agreed to be called. Cardinals, as if they were those upon whom the catholic Church were stayed, as a gate hangeth upon his post: For Cardo signifieth a gate or door post.