A14216:1280
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
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.
1Wherefore the prophetical function of Christ is, 1 To open & declare unto men God & his secret will, of saving believers by and for him, showed unto him immediately from God himself. 2 To refine and purify the Law and worship of God, from corruptions, Mat. 5.67. he interpreteth the Law. Joh. 1.18. The son which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him. John. 8.26. The things that I have heard of the Father, those speak I to the world. 3 To open the promises of the gospel concerning himself to be borne, to suffer, and to die concerning remission of sins, our reconciliation unto God, and of salvation and everlasting life. 4 At length also assuming & taking unto him humane nature, to teach as by his voice the will of god, concerning us, and towards us, and to confirm this doctrine by Miracles. 5 Not only to give oracles and prophecies, to open the will of god by prophets, and to teach & expound it himself present in humane nature; but also to ordain & institute the ministry of the word and sacraments, that is, to call and send Prophets, Apostles, and other ministers of the Church, and to furnish them with gifts necessary to this ministry. John. 20.21. As the Father hath sent me, so send I you. Ephes. 4.11. He (Christ) hath given some Apostles, and some Prophets, some Doctors. Luk. 21.15. I will give you a mouth, and wisdom, where-against all your adversaries shall not be able to speak, nor resist. So 1. Pet. 1.10. The spirit of Christ is said to have spoken by the prophets. 6. To give the holy Ghost. Mat. 3.11. He will baptise you with the holy Ghost, and with fire. 7. To be through his own and others ministry effectual in the hearts of the hearers, that is, by his spirit to lighten our minds, that we may understand those things which he teacheth us of God and his will, either by his own voice, or by the voice of others: