A14216:2074
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.
3 What is the sense and meaning of the words of the institution of Baptism.
3 What is the sense and meaning of the words of the institution of Baptisme.
THE confirmation of the Definition and chief ends of Baptism is contained in the words of the institution, which are read in S. Matthew and S. Mark. Go and teach all Nations, baptizing them in the name of the father, and the son, and the holy ghost. He that shall believe, and shall be baptized, shall be saved: but he that will not believe, shall be damned. These are briefly to be expounded and declared, Teach all. Teach all, and not some nations, neither Abraham's posterity only. Here is the difference of the sacraments of the old and new Testament. For Christ did not institute this new sacrament for the Jews only, to whom properly did belong the old sacraments: but to all others also succeeding. Baptising them. That is, all, who by your doctrine come unto me, & are made my Disciples. And among them are numbered the Infants also of such as come unto Christ, or are Christs Disciples: For their Infants also are Disciples, as being borne in the school of Christ. For to be borne in the Church, serveth to the Infants instead of their profession.1 The order here is to be noted and observed. He willeth first, that they be taught, and after, that they be baptised. Wherefore he will not have the sacraments to be dumb, but signifieth that the word ought to go before, and then the sacraments to follow. In the name of the Father, and the son, and the holy ghost. These words, In the name, signify 1. That Baptism was instituted by the common commandment and authority of these three; and that these three persons do command, that they who will be members of the Church, be baptised. Wherefore it is of like force, when the Minister baptiseth, as if God the Father, the Son, and the holy Ghost did baptise. And hereof also it is manifest, that these three persons, are the three subsistentes, or persons of the Godhead. 2. They signify, that these three persons confirm unto us by their own testification, that they receive us into favour, and perform that unto us which is signified by baptism: which is, salvation, if we believe, and be baptised: Where is noted the second end of baptism. 3. To be baptised in the name of the Father, the son, and the holy ghost, i, That he which is baptised, be bound to the knowledge, faith, worship,