A14212:100
A collection of certain learned discourses, written by that famous man of memory Zechariah…A collection of certaine learned discourses, written by that famous man of memory Zachary…
A collection of certain learned discourses, written by that famous man of memory Zachary Ursine; doctor and professor of divinity in the noble and flourishing schools of Neustad. For explication of divers difficult points, laid down by that author in his catechism. Lately put in print in Latin by the last labour of D. David Parry: and now newly translated into English, by I.H. for the benefit and behoof of our Christian country-manA collection of certaine learned discourses, written by that famous man of memory Zachary Ursine; doctor and professor of divinitie in the noble and flourishing schools of Neustad. For explication of divers difficult points, laide downe by that author in his catechisme. Lately put in print in Latin by the last labour of D. David Parry: and now newlie translated into English, by I.H. for the benefit and behoofe of our Christian country-man
Oxford: printed by Joseph Barnes, 1600Oxford: printed by Ioseph Barnes, 1600
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.
As therefore the baseness of the vessel doth not prejudice the preciousness of the merchandise therein contained: so neither must you disdain the meanness and infancy of him that delivereth this doctrine unto you, as derogating ought from the weight of those reasons, which shall be alleged to persuade you to the serious study of Christian religion.1 But purposing forthwith to recite some of them, I find my self so plunged in the depth thereof, that I can hardly resolve where to begin. Yet because I must of necessity handle some of them, let that be the first which should be the rule of all our actions & studies,2 namely the will of GOD revealed in his word. For we now confer together which are fellow-citizens of the church. Knowing for certain that the books of the Prophets and ⟨p. 64⟩Apostles are sure interpreters of Gods will and purpose. In them are precepts every where delivered and repeated, commanding without exception to search & know the doctrine therein contained. This is that precept of the sabaoth delivered in the ten commandments, this is that whereof our saviour said in the 10 of Luc. 42. v. that one thing was necessary. This is that wisdom whose knowledge he saith is eternal life: this David commendeth, as in many other places, so in the first psalm, where he layeth down as it were a brief thereof. But this our heavenly father, merciful to mankind, & careful for our salvation thought not sufficient; he added therefore a peculiar charge of proposing a sum of this doctrine unto all, especially the younger sort, & this▪ is that which we term Catechizing. As Deuter. 4. 9. Thou shalt (saith he) teach thy sons. And Deuter. 6. & 11. Lay up these words in your hearts & in your minds, and hang them for a sign in your hands, & place your eyes thereon. Teach thy children to meditate in them, when thou sittest in thine house, & wa•kest in the way, & when thou liest down, & when thou risest up. Thou shalt wright them upon the posts and doors of thine house, that thy days and thy children's days may be multiplied in the land. Here we see parents & those which are instead of parents are commanded to teach, & provide that there be teaching: the younger sort to learn; both sorts daily to inculcate, repeat, & meditate upon this doctrine.