A14216:133
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.
But here above all things they injury the holy Ghost, ascribing darkness & obscurity unto him, who of purpose endeavoured to apply himself in simplicity of speech to the capacity of the common people, and the rudest. For those things which appertain to the ground of doctrine, which is necessary to be known of all, as are the articles of our belief, the ten commandments: they are so plainly recited, so often repeated, so plentifully expounded in the Scriptures, that they are open and easy to any, but to him who will not learn: even as the 119. Psalm teacheth, Where the word of the Lord is called a Lantern to our feet, and a light to our paths. Again, The entrance into thy words showeth light, and giveth understanding to the simple. And 2.1 Peter 1. The word of the Prophets is called a light shining in a dark place. To which ye do well, saith he, that ye take heed as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts. And Solomon in the first of the Proverbs, affirmeth, that he writeth to give the simple sharpness of wit, and to the child knowledge and discretion: Again, that wisdom crieth without, & uttereth her voice in the streets. Paul also 1. Cor. 1. saith, that Christ sent him to preach the Gospel not with wisdom of words, least the cross of Christ should be made of none effect. The ground therefore and sum of doctrine is not obscure, except it be unto the reprobates, who contemn the truth, or stubbornly reject it: as the Apostle saith, 2. Cor. 4. If our Gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: in whom the God of ⟨p. 43⟩this world hath blinded their minds, that is, of the infidels, that the light of the glorious Gospel of Christ should not shine unto them. And the prophet Isaiah. 65. and the Apostle, Rom. 10. All the day long have I stretched forth my hands to a disobedient and gainsaying people. And