A14216:2044
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.
The confirmation of such of the former conclusions, as most require it.
THE confirmation of the second conclusion. The definition therein delivered of sacraments, is expressed, Gen. 17.11. Exod. 20.10. Exod. 31.14. Thou shalt keep my sabbaths. Now, that sacraments are rites commanded and prescribed to the church by God, is apparent by the institution of them: as also that they are rites adjoined unto the promise as visible signs and tokens thereof; Because all sacraments are necessary duties towards GOD. But chiefly and principally they are gods benefits towards us; as circumcision did portend and show remission of sins and mortification; Deut. 30.6. Heb. 8 9.10. Neither only do we signify them in confessing and celebrating them, but chiefly God himself doth signify them unto us, testifying and confirming them unto us by the ceremonies of sacraments. For the Ministers, as well in the administration of the sacraments, as in the preaching of the word, •ea•e the person & possess the place of God, to the Church. Mat 28.19. Teach and baptise all nations John. 4.2. Jesus did baptise: when yet not he himself, but his disciples did baptise. So of the sign and ceremony of inauguration or anointing one to be King it is said 1. Sam. 10.1. The Lord hath anointed thee: When yet ⟨p. 712⟩Samuel was sent to anoint Saul. They further are therefore said to confirm our faith, because the scripture witnesseth them to be the signs and tokens of the mutual & everlasting covenant between God and the faithful, which God signifieth unto us in the bestowing of his benefits promised us in the Gospel. But God is alike to be believed, whether by signs, or by words, which signify his will: because not only our sacrifices and obedience, but also the signs of grace delivered unto us by God have in their right use the promise of grace adjoined unto them: As, He that shall believe, and shall be baptised, shall be saved. And lastly, because the scripture to signify the receiving or want of the things signified, allegeth the receiving or want of the signs: As Ps 51.7. Purge me with hyssop & I shall be clean.