A14216:1184
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.
2 It is proper to him that is most wise, not to suffer any thing which is in his power, to be done without his will and counsel. And how much the wiser he is, so much the more largely doth his government extend it self. But god is a governor infinitely wise, and hath in his power ⟨p. 404⟩all things. Therefore he suffereth nothing to come to pass without his certain and determined counsel. And further, if the number of things were infinite, yet were god sufficient for the administering of them: seeing he is of an exceeding and infinite wisdom. And therefore he easily taketh care of all things that are created; which although they be many, yet in them-selves, and most of all in respect of Gods infinite wisdom, they are finite, and limited.
2 It is proper to him that is most wise, not to suffer any thing which is in his power, to be done without his will and counsell. And how much the wiser he is, so much the more largely doth his gouernement extend it selfe. But god is a gouernour infinitely wise, and hath in his power ⟨p. 404⟩al things. Therefore he suffereth nothing to come to passe without his certain and determined counsel. And further, if the number of things were infinit, yet were god sufficiēt for the administring of them: seeing he is of an exceeding and infinite wisedome. And therefore he easilie taketh care of all thinges that are created; which although they be many, yet in them-selues, and most of all in respect of Gods infinite wisedome, they are finite, and limited.
13 He that will the end or consequent of any thing or event; he will also the means or antecedent, or that event, whereby the end is come unto. But God will the ends of all things and events, whether good or bad. Therefore he will universally all things which are, and are done, if not simply, yet in some sort and respect. For whatsoever things are, or are done in the world, either they are the end and consequent, or the antecedent and mean whereby to attain unto the end. The Major is manifest. The Minor is thus proved. God will all that is good. But of all things there are some ends most good; otherwise god by reason of his immense goodness would not permit them to be done.