A68595:583
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.
The second effect or work of the holy ghost is utterly contrary to this aforesaid. For it afflicteth us, because it declareth to us our damnation by the law, and how the hells be open to devour us. But this again doth comfort us, when the certain and only remedy of salvation is applied to our conscience, which is declared unto us by the other part of the scripture which is called the Gospel, that is to say, the happy and blessed message of salvation freely in Jesus Christ, as we have declared here before in order at large.
The seconde effect or worke of the holy ghost is vtterly contrary to this aforesayde. For it afflyeteth vs, because it declareth to vs our damnation by the law, and how the hels be open to deuoure vs. But this agayne doth comfort vs, when the certayne and onelye remedy of saluation is applyed to our conscience, which is declared vnto vs by the other parte of the scripture which is called the Gospell, that is to saye, the happy and blessed message of saluation fréely in Iesus Christe, as wee haue declared here before in order at large.
Now this remedy is applied by a double effect and working of the holy Ghost. For first the holy Ghost disposeth our intelligence, to the understanding of the doctrine of the Gospel, which otherwise seemeth to the world very foolishness, ⟨image 203⟩and so incontinently after it maketh our spirit believe that this doctrine of salvation freely in Jesus Christ, is not only true (for the Devils know also that this doctrine is most true, and yet therefore be not saved) but also that it appertaineth to us: and this is it that is called faith, the which is so highly commended in the scripture, which is to be understand when any man doth persuade himself certainly, that salvation & eternal life doth properly and particularly appertain to him self, because Jesus Christ is declared to us in his word under this condition, that we do taste of him, and apply him to our selves by faith. It followeth then, that faith is the only instrument, by the which as by ones hand salvation may be felt and taken in Jesus Christ. And therefore S. Paul said, that we be justified by faith only, and also do live by it only: not that faith is our righteousness and life, but because that by only faith we embrace Jesus Christ, and be certain that he is our righteousness and life. For when any man believeth that he is appointed and