A68595:570
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.
Now where shall we find such a1 pledge or surety that is meet and able to do it. Certainly in no place among the things that be created. For if we search among the Angels, the answer is ready, the Angels be not bound for the sin of man. For the righteousness of God cannot demand of the Angels that which man oweth. And also there is stirred up the wrath of God which must be borne: and it is certain that the Angels them selves be not able to bear so great a burden.
Nowe where shall we fynde suche a1 pledge or suretye that is méete and able to doo it. Certaynlye in no place among the thynges that be created. For if wée searche among the Angels, the aunswere is ready, the Angelles bée not bounde for the synne of man. For the ryghteousnes of God cannot demaunde of the Angelles that which man oweth. And also there is sturred vp the wrathe of God whiche must bée borne: and it is certayne that the Angelles them selues be not able to beare so great a burden.
- 1VI
But if Angels be insufficient and unable1 to bear so great a burden, what creature can be found that is able to do it? Wherefore we must necessarily have refuge to some one that is more mighty then all creatures, and also that must be very man. For if he be not more mightier then any creature, that is to say, very God, he can not bear the burden of ⟨image 199⟩the wrath and ire of God, but should him self be overwhelmed under it, then much less could he satisfy for others. And if he be not a man, how should he deliver man by his satisfaction? It is necessary then that a mediator be found which is God and man, and such one is Jesus Christ, as the Christian religion teacheth us.