A68595:567
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.
Wherefore to the end we may know1 what it is that man oweth to God, we must consider the form and manner of ⟨image 198⟩the obligation wherein we be bound in our creation, and what is written in the two tables of the law, and then we shall find that we are bound to love God above all things, and with all our heart, and our neighbour as our selves. So it is apparent that we owe to be payed perfect love to God and to our neighbours.
Wherfore to the ende we may knowe1 what it is that man oweth to God, wée must consider the forme and manner of ⟨image 198⟩the oblygation wherein we be bounde in our creation, and what is wrytten in the two tables of the lawe, and then we shall fynde that we are bounde to loue God aboue all thynges, and with all our harte, and our neyghbour as our selues. So it is aparent that we owe to be payed perfecte loue to God and to our neyghbours.
- 1III
But how can this be done, if first we1 be not naturally apt and inclined to do this? For experience teacheth that our nature is clean contrary to this. For all men of them selves or of their own will be inclined rather to hate God and their neighbour, contrary to love. Now if our own nature draweth us to hate, how can we pay the love which we do owe?
But howe can this be done, if fyrst we1