A68595:522
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.
Behold here how the Pope and his Cardinals be the successors of the Apostles and Disciples of▪ Jesus Christ: Concerning their Suffragans, Officials, Proctors in the Courts of the Church, Notaries Apostolical, Promoters, Auditors, Bullists, Copyists, Couriers, Vicars, Chaplains, Provosts, and other such innumerable vermin, what can I say otherwise? For one shall find as soon the devil among the Angels, as one word or mention of them in the holy scripture, or in the ancient Counsels, Decrees, Doctors, Greeks, or Latins for to approve them. I say more, ⟨image 183⟩that it is as possible to accord these estates with the true form of the Christian Church, as to accord light and darkness, trueth and lies.
Beholde here howe the Pope and his Cardinalles be the successours of the Apostles and Disciples of▪ Iesus Christe: Concernyng theyr Suffraganes, Officials, Proctours in the Courtes of the Church, Notaries Apostolycall, Promoters, Auditors, Bullists, Copists, Courriers, Vicars, Chaplaynes, Prouostes, and other suche innumerable vermyne, what can I say otherwyse? For one shall find assoone the diuel among the Angels, as one worde or mencion of them in the holy scripture, or in the auncient Counsels, Decrées, Doctours, Gréekes, or Latines for to approue them. I say more, ⟨image 183⟩that it is as possyble to accorde these estates with the true forme of the Christian Churche, as to accorde lyght and darknes, trueth and lyes.
I come now to the other, which have more appearance, for as much as they have their foundation in the scripture: yet notwithstanding, because they be nothing less, then that which they be called, to what purpose doeth these names serve which they bear, but the more to condemn them of falsehood and deceit.
I come nowe to the other, which haue more apparence, for as muche as they haue theyr foundation in the scrypture: yet notwithstanding, because they be nothing lesse, then that whiche they be called, to what purpose doeth these names serue whiche they beare, but the more to condempne them of falsehoodde and deceypt.