A14216:15
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.
TO THE CHRISTIAN READERS HENRY PARRY WISHETH GRACE AND PEACE THROUGH JESU CHRIST OUR LORD.
TO THE CHRISTIAN READERS HENRY PARRIE WISHETH GRACE AND PEACE THROVGH IESV CHRIST OVR LORD.
Whereas but a small and short remnant of days is allotted unto every of us to try the hazard and adventure of this world in Christs holy Merchandise, (yet forty years, and the youngest may, the oldest must depart) I being subject to this common case, and most certain uncertainty of our life; neither knowing, if perhaps at this present my staff standeth next the door: have been and am desirous and earnest in this behalf, so to bestow all my possible endeavours and labours in this my Lord and Masters traffic, as that neither I may return unto him with a Talent in a napkin, and withal may leave behind me some poor token and testimony of my love and duty towards him and his blessed Spouse, with future posterity.
WHereas but a smal and short remnaunt of daies is alotted vnto euerie of vs to trie the hazard and aduenture of this world in Christes holy Merchandize, (yet forty yeares, and the yongest may, the oldest must depart) I beeing subiect to this common case, and most certaine vncertainty of our life; neither knowing, if perhaps at this present my staffe standeth next the doore: haue beene and am desirous and earnest in this behalfe, so to bestow all my possible endeuours and labours in this my Lord and Masters trafique, as that neither I may returne vnto him with a Talent in a napkin, and withall may leaue behind mee some poore token and testimony of my loue and duty towards him and his blessed Spouse, with future posterity.
Which my desire and earnest deliberation struggling and striving so long within me, until it had gotten the conquest of such shamefast and fearful motions, wherewith men are well acquainted, who are at all acquainted with their own infirmities: I was thereby at length drawn to this bold and hardy resolution, as to commit something to the press, and so to the eyes of them, whose great and sharp censures, I have ever with trembling thought of heretofore, and even now would fly them with all willingness.