A14216:2335
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 Objection. Christ saith in the Parable of the tares, let both grow together until the harvest. Therefore none ought to be excluded. Answer. 1. Christ speaketh there of hypocrites, who cannot be discerned always from the true servers of God. Therefore his meaning is, that hypocrites ought not to be cut off or separated from the church, as whom we know not to be such: but that the Angels shall do this at the last day. 2. Christ distinguisheth there the office of the Magistrate, and of ministers, Let them grow, that is, put not to death any which are estranged from the church. For the Ministers may not use corporal force against any man, as may the Magistrate. Now if this difference be put, the difference which is between the church, and the kingdom of the Devil shall not be taken away.
3 Obiection. Christ saith in the Parable of the tares, let both grow together vntil the haruest. Therefore none ought to bee excluded. Aunswere. 1. Christ speaketh there of hypocrits, who cannot be discerned alwaies from the true seruers of God. Therefore his meaning is, that hypocrites ought not to be cut off or separated frō the church, as whom we know not to be such: but that the Angels shall doe this at the last daie. 2. Christ distinguisheth there the office of the Magistrate, and of ministers, Let them grow, that is, put not to death any which are estrā ged from the church. For the Ministers may not vse corporal force against any man, as may the Magistrate. Now if this difference be put, the difference which is between the church, and the kingdome of the Diuell shal not be taken awaie.
4 Objection. Men are to be forced and compelled unto good works. The use of the sacraments is a good work. Therefore they are to be forced and compelled to the use of the sacraments. Answer. 1. The Minor is not true, except it be understood of that use, which is celebrated by the faithful: otherwise, when unbelievers use the sacraments, their use is no good work. The use of the sacraments is a good work, when good moral works go before this use: And then is it truly called the use of the sacraments; otherwise it is rather an abuse, and profaning of the sacraments. For when the wicked