A14216:1151
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 GODS PROVIDENCE. › Section 2: 2 WHAT THE PROVIDENCE OF GOD IS.
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.
1Mediate working is, when God by creatures or second causes produceth those effects, to which those creatures, or causes, are by the accustomed and common order of nature fit, and so made of God, as when he sustaineth us by nourishments: Deutr. 8 3. and driveth away diseases by medicines. Isay. 38.21. Take a lump of dry figs and lay it upon the boil, and he shall recover. So likewise God by his word written, read, heard, showeth unto us both his will & himself. Luk. 16.29. They have Moses and the Prophets: let them hear them.
1Mediate woorking is, when God by creatures or second causes produceth those effectes, to which those creatures, or causes, are by the accustomed and common order of nature fit, and so made of God, as when he susteineth vs by nourishments: Deutr. 8 3. and driueth away diseases by medicines. Isay. 38.21. Take a lump of drie figges and lay it vpon the boile, and he shall recouer. So likewise God by his worde written, read, heard, sheweth vnto vs both his will & himselfe. Luk. 16.29. They haue Moses and the Prophets: let them heare them.
- 1Gods Mediate working.
1Moreover the mediate working or action of God is done sometimes by good, sometimes by vicious and sinful instruments, as well natural as voluntary: Yet in such wise, that the work of God in them and by them, is always most good, most just, and most holy. For the goodness of gods works depend not upon the goodness, wisdom, and rightness of the instrument, but of god. As touching good instruments, that by them God worketh very well, there is no controversy among the Godly: but of evil instruments, all think not the same. Nevertheless yet, except we will deny 1 the trials and chastisements of the Godly, or 2 the punishments of the wicked, which are done by the wicked, both to be just, and to proceed from the will, power, and efficacy of God; as also 3 the virtues and such actions and deeds of the wicked as have been for the safety of mankind, to be the gifts and blessings of God; that is, except we will deny that God is a just judge of the world, and power-full in operation, and the efficient of all good things; we must needs doubtless confess that God doth also execute and accomplish his just and holy works and judgements by evil and sinful instruments. So God,