A14216:1065
The Sum of Christian Religion
The sum of Christian religion: delivered by Zacharias Ursinus in his lectures upon the Catechism authorised by the noble Prince Frederick, throughout his dominions: wherein are debated and resolved the questions of whatsoever points of moment, which have been or are controversed in divinity. Translated into English by Henry Parry, out of the last & best Latin editions, together with some supply of wa[n]ts out of his discourses of divinity, and with correction of sundry faults & imperfections, which are [sic] as yet remaining in the best corrected Latin.The summe of Christian religion: deliuered by Zacharias Vrsinus in his lectures vpon the Catechism autorised by the noble Prince Frederick, throughout his dominions: wherein are debated and resolued the questions of whatsoeuer points of moment, which haue beene or are controuersed in diuinitie. Translated into English by Henrie Parrie, out of the last & best Latin editions, together with some supplie of wa[n]ts out of his discourses of diuinitie, and with correction of sundrie faults & imperfections, which ar [sic] as yet remaining in the best corrected Latine.
Oxford: printed by Joseph Barnes, 1587Oxford: printed by Ioseph Barnes, 1587
Part 2 › OF CREATION. › Section 1: 1 WHETHER THE WORLD WERE CREATED OF GOD.
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.
1Furthermore, besides testimonies of Scripture almost innumerable, it is confirmed also by firm and true reasons, that the world was created of God. First, The authority of God himself avouching the same in his word. Secondly, The originals and beginnings of nations and peoples show it, which could not be feigned of Moses, whenas some remembrance and memorial of them was then extant amongst many: which yet in process of time perished. Thirdly, The novelty and lateness of all other histories compared with the antiquity & ancientness of the sacred story. Fourthly, The age of men decreasing; which showeth that there was greater strength in nature at the first, and that not without some first cause it hath decreased hitherto. Fifthly, The certain ⟨p. 357⟩course & race of times, even from the beginning of the world, unto the exhibiting of the Messiah. Unto Testimonies of scripture come also arguments drawn out of nature it self. First, The order of things instituted in nature, which must needs have been produced and framed by some intelligent mind, far superior to all things. Secondly, The excellency of the mind of men, and Angels. These intelligent minds have a beginning: therefore they have it from some intelligent cause. Thirdly, The principles or general rules, and natural notions ingenerated in our minds. Fourthly, The tremblings of conscience in the wicked. Fifthly, The constitution and founding of common weals. Sixthly, The ends of all things profitably and wisely ordained. Therefore by some cause understanding & ordaining them. Seventhly, The very order of causes and effects, which cannot be carried backward or forward infinitely: for then never should the end be come unto, or the effect produced. Lastly those other arguments and reasons also, which prove that there is a God, prove in like manner that the world was created of God.
1Furdermore, besides testimonies of Scripture almost innumerable, it is confirmed also by firme and true reasons, that the world was created of God. First, The autoritie of God himselfe auouching the same in his word. Secondly, The originals and beginnings of nations and peoples shew it, which could not be faigned of Moses, whenas some remē brance and memoriall of them was then extant amongst manie: which yet in processe of time perished. Thirdly, The noueltie and latenesse of all other histories compared with the antiquity & ancientnesse of the sacred storie. Fourthly, The age of men decreasing; which sheweth that there was greater strength in nature at the first, and that not without some first cause it hath decreased hitherto. Fiftly, The certaine