A14216:150
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.
OF THE TRUE COMFORT of the Godly.
OF THE TRVE COMFORT of the Godlie.
THE scope and end of this doctrine is, that we may have sure comfort both in our life & at our death. And that we may have this, we are especially to learn the doctrine of Christianity. Now the sum of this comfort doth consist in this, that we are the members of Christ: that is, that we are engrafted into Christ by faith, that he is careful of us: and that by him we are loved of God, reconciled to God, and conjoined with him. This comfort the devil goeth about to take from us after this manner. 1. Thou art a sinner: therefore thou art not acceptable in the sight of God.
THE scope and ende of this doctrine is, that wee may haue sure comfort both in our life & at our death. And that wee may haue this, wee are especiallie to learne the doctrine of Christianitie. Now the summe of this comfort doth consist in this, that wee are the members of Christ: that is, that we are engraffed into Christ by faith, that he is carefull of vs: and that by him wee are loued of God, reconciled to God, and conioyned with him. This comfort the diuel goeth about to take from vs after this maner. 1. Thou art a sinner: therefore thou art not acceptable in the sight of God.
Answer. But Christ hath made satisfaction for me with his precious blood. 2. But thou must die the death. Answer. But Christ hath delivered me from the power of death, and I know that by Christ I shall scape out of the hands of death. 3. But how if thou leese the grace of Christ? For thou mayest fall and perish; because it is a long way to heaven. Answer. Christ hath not only merited his benefits for me, but also bestoweth them on me, and preserveth them in me, and giveth me perseverance, that I may not fall from grace. 4. But what if these things appertain not unto thee? and how knowest thou that thou art Christs? Answer. 1. Because I have the testimony of the holy Ghost within me. 2. Because the general promise appertaineth to all the faithful. If I have faith therefore, that promise appertaineth unto me. But I know I have faith by the effects of faith. 1. Because I have a will to obey and believe God, albeit I am but weak. 2. Because I have good works, which are signs of true faith. Therefore I have true faith, and by a consequent, Christ and his benefits appertain unto me.