A14216:2000
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
Part 2 › OF SACRAMENTS. › Section 3: 3 Jn what Sacraments differ from sacrifices.
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.
3 In what Sacraments differ from sacrifices.
3 Jn what Sacraments differ from sacrifices.
WE must hold and observe a difference between Sacrifices and Sacraments,1 that we may know what to do, when we come unto them. Now they differ in the principal & chief end. For sacraments are only ceremonies. Sacrifices may be ceremonies & moral works also, as the sacrifices of thanksgiving are our works towards God, whereby we yield due obedience and honour unto God; such are the sacrifices of praise and thankfulness. A sacrament, is gods work toward us, wherein he giveth some thing, to wit, the signs and the things signed; & wherein he testifieth of his offering & bestowing his benefits upon us. Or the distinction between them may be given thus: A sacrifice is a work, in which we yield some obedience and worship unto God. But a sacrament is a work, in which GOD giveth somewhat unto us: First, outward signs; Secondly, Things signified by them. 2A sacrament and a sacrifice may be sometimes together in one and the self-same thing: but they are sacraments in respect of God, in respect of us sacrifices, and those only eucharistical and of thanks-giving. For there is but one only sacrifice propitiatory by the ransom of Christ offered for us on the cross. Objection. The Passover and other ceremonies of the old testament were both sacrifices and sacraments. Therefore sacraments do nothing differ from sacrifices. Answer. More is in the conclusion, than in the premisses. Because this only followeth; That the same thing may be a sacrament & a sacrifice. So Baptism, & the Lords Supper are sacraments, & sacrifices: They are sacraments and that principally; because they are the work of god, who giveth us some thing in them, and doth therein testify his gift unto us. For in them he reacheth unto us certain Symbols and tokens by his ministers, as also by his ministers he speaketh by his mouth unto us: according as it is said,