A14216:2016
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.
8 What phrases and forms of speaking of the sacraments are usual unto the Church and scripture.
8 What phrases and formes of speaking of the sacramentes are vsual vnto the Church and scripture.
The forms of speaking of sacraments, are partly proper, 1& partly figurative. The proper are, 1. When the sacraments are called tokens, signs, seals, & those sealing & confirming unto us, that God will give those things which he hath promised. So Circumcision is a seal of the righteousness of faith. And it shall be a sign in thy flesh. 2. When unto the signs are expressly adjoined promises; namely, that we shall receive the things signified by them; as when it is said, Mar. 16 16. He that shall believe, & be baptized, shall be saved. A figurative or sacramental kind of speaking is, 21. When the names of the things are given unto the signs: as the Paschal Lamb called the Passover. 2. Contrariwise, when the names of the signs are attributed to the things. 3. When the properties belonging to the things are attributed to the signs. As, the bread which we brake, is it not the communion of the body of christ? so baptism is said to wash away sins, to save, to regenerate. 4. When contrariwise, the properties of the signs are attributed to the things themselves. As, The rock was christ. We are washed by the blood of Christ. Al these phrases of speech signify the same thing: which is, the promise of god adjoined to the ceremony; & this therefore, 1. Because the signs represent and seal the things. Baptism is the washing of regeneration. 2. Because the things & the signs are together received by the faithful, in the right use thereof.