A14212:28
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.
Thirdly he cavils with Luther in this sort.1 If a sacrament were nothing else but an instrument to stir up and nourish •aith in us; why are infants, mad men, and men asleep sometimes baptized in the Church? But why doth he not likewise make a question of* belles, churches, & altars? let your church (if it will) baptize mad men, and men asleep: as for infants of the church of Christ, we answer that they indeed although wanting the use of reason are notwithstanding baptized, because of the commandment and promise of God. But (you will say) they do no believe: ergo baptism confirms not their faith. Deny not what you know not. They belee•e not as men of age: ergo believe they not at all? if this be true, why may not this also be as true? they are not reasonable as men of age: therefore they are not reasonable at all. To them is promised the holy Ghost ⟨p. 12⟩working faith in us, to them is promised the grace of the covenant•, & the kingdom of God. And although actually they do not believe, yet why may they not as well by inclination believe through grace, as by inclination they sin through nature? As therefore they believe: so baptism is unto them a seal confirming their faith. But who said a Sacrament was nothing else but an instrument to stir up, & nourish our faith? there are more uses of a Sacrament besides this. But admit baptism do not confirm faith in infants; yet it will confirm them when they are come to age. For the fruit of baptism is not restrained to one moment;3 witness Austen & Lombard himself. Yet are they to be baptized, that their adoption & regeneration may be sealed unto them, and they distinguished from Infidels: which things, as they are not to be accounted nothing; so truly we doubt not but that through baptism they are imparted & sealed unto the infants of the church, not (as you teach) because of the work don, but in regard of the Institution & appointment of Christ. Thus therefore the Jesuit seeth how the baptism of Children doth not dissemble or take away the confirmation of faith.