A14216:2137
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.
2 What are the ends of the Lords supper.
THE ends, for which the Lords supper was instituted, are, 1. That it might be a confirmation of our faith, that is, a most certain testification of our communion and union with christ; because Christ testifieth unto us by these signs, that he doth as verily feed us with his body and blood unto everlasting life, […] we receive, at the hand of the minister, these the Lords signs. And this testification is directed to every one who receiveth the signs with a true faith: and further also we so receive the signs at the ministers hand, as that rather the Lord himself giveth them us by his m nisters. Wherefore christ is said to have baptised moe disciples, than John, when yet he did it by his Apostles, ⟨p. 740⟩and other disciples. 2. That it might be a public distinction, or mark, discerning the church from all other nations and sects. For the Lord instituted and appointed his supper for his disciples, and not for others. 3. That it might be our testification to christ and the whole church: Which is a public confession of our faith, and a solemn binding of our selves to thankfulness and the celebration of this benefit. Both which are proved by these words of christ: Do this in remembrance of me. This remembrance is taken first, for faith in the heart; then for thanksgiving and our public confession. 4. That it might be a bond of the churches assemblies and meetings: because the Supper was instituted that it should be done and celebrated in a congregation, and that either great or small. Therefore the Supper (as was said before) is called a* convent: and Christ expressly commandeth, Drink ye all of this. Likewise Paul, When ye come together to eat, stay one for another. 5. That it might be a bond of mutual love and dilection: because the Supper testifieth, that all are made the members of christ under one head: as also Paul saith: For we that are many are one bread and one body, because we are all partakers of one bread.
THE ends, for which the Lords supper was instituted, are, 1. That it might bee a cnfirmation of our faith, that is, a most certaine testification of our communion and vnion with christ; because Christ testifieth vnto vs by these signs, that hee doth as verily feede vs with his bodie and bloud vnto euerlasting life, wee receiue, at the hand of the minister, these the Lords signes. And this testification is directed to euerie one who receiueth the signes with a true faith: and furder also wee so receiue the signes at the ministers hand, as that rather the Lord himselfe giueth them vs by his m nisters. Wherefore christ is saide to haue baptised moe disciples, than Iohn, when yet hee did it by his Apostles,