A14216:146
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.
Wherefore first, as the doctrine by the fault of men,1 and not of it, remaineth only the letter: so also not of it own nature, but because of the corruption of men it killeth, that is, it terrifieth mens minds with the judgement of God, and doth stir up a murmuring and hatred against God, as we are plainly taught by the Apostle, Rom. cap. 7. The Law is holy, and the commandment is holy, and just, and good. Was that then which is good, made death unto me? God forbid. But sin that it might appear sin, wrought death in me by that which is good, that sin might be out of measure sinful by the commandment. For we know that the Law is spiritual, but I am carnal, sold under sin. But the proper effect of the Scripture is to quicken men, that is, to lighten them with the true knowledge of God, and to move them to the love of God. As it is said 2. Cor. 2. We are unto God the sweet savour of Christ in them that are saved, and in them which perish &c.
Wherefore first, as the doctrine by the fault of men,1 and not of it, remaineth only the letter: so also not of it owne nature, but because of the corruption of men it killeth, that is, it terrifieth mens mindes with the iudgement of God, and doth stir vp a murmuring and hatred against God, as wee are plainly taught by the Apostle, Rom. cap. 7. The Law is holie, and the commaundement is holy, and iust, and good. Was that then which is good, made death vnto me? God forbid. But sinne that it might appeare sinne, wrought death in me by that which is good, that sinne might be out of measure sinful by the commaundement. For we know that the Law is spiritual, but I am carnal, sold vnder sinne. But the proper effect of the Scripture is to quicken men, that is, to lighten them with the true knowledge of God, and to mooue them to the loue of God. As it is said 2. Cor. 2. We are vnto God the sweete sauour of Christ in them that are saued, and in them which perish &c.