A68595:525
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.
13 The abuse which is committed in the second party of ecclesiastical offices which be Deacons.
13 The abuse which is commytted in the seconde partie of ecclesiasticall offyces which be Deacons.
Concerning those which ought to wait and watch upon the doctrine and prayers, let us come first to the dispensation of the goods of the poor, for the which it was declared, that ⟨p. 172⟩the Deacons were principally established. Also in the Papistry, what examination, what election, or what order is there in the making of Deacons, and Subdeacons, what charge also is given them? Forsooth to be able to juggle in their mummery, to be assistant at the renouncing of the sacrifice and intercession of Jesus Christ, as hath been declared before in the third and fourth Article, to sing a gobbet of the History of the Gospel, or of an Epistle in an unknown language, and without exposition, to handle the Chalice, to hold the Cruets, to receive the offering, whereof the poor shall have nothing, to give the Pax, to saye Ita missa est in a high Mass. But in what Church? forsooth where they may. And for how long? Until they them selves may be Priests even the first day. And because that long time before he be a Priest, that is to wit, before he have the office of doctrine, or of ecclesiastical jurisdiction, according to the old Canons, be must be for a time exercised and proved in these ⟨image 186⟩base offices. Therefore it was needful for these Master Apes, to work some invention for to say they keep the ancient decrees. Now I pray you these things considered, by what title dare these wicked wretches be called Deacons, against the testimony of the scripture, against all the ancient decrees and Doctors? For the which they spake of the office of the Deacons, in the ministration of the Sacrament of the supper, how can it agree with that which is directly against it? And especially of Archdeacons, by what title are they called by that name, considering they have not followed one jot of their office? And for the administration of the goods of the Church, where is the distribution of four parts, ordained by ancient Counsels, as it hath been amply declared, in the thirty Article of the fifth point?