A14216:2465
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.
4 What are the causes of conversion.
4 What are the causes of conuersion.
THE principal efficient cause of conversion is the holy Ghost. Convert us and we shall be converted. The instrumental causes, or means, are first, the Law, then the Gospel, and, after the doctrine of the Gospel hath been preached, 1again the doctrine of the Law. For the preaching of the Law goeth before preparing us to the preaching of the Gospel: because without the Law there is no knowledge of sin, and therefore no grief or sorrow for sin. Afterwards followeth the preaching of the Gospel, because without the Gospel there is no faith: & after the preaching of the Gospel, again followeth, in the church, the preaching of the Law, that it may be the squire of our actions. So do the Prophets first accuse, threaten, and exhort, and then promise: and lastly exhort again. Such was also John ⟨p. 830⟩Baptists preaching: And such is the preaching & doctrine of repentance: which comprehendeth the Law & the gospel. The next instrumental cause is faith; because without faith there is no love of God: and except we know, what the will of God is, as, namely, that he will remit unto us our sins by and for Christ: conversion will never be begun in us, neither in respect of the first part thereof, which is Mortification: neither in respect of the second part, which is Quickening. For by faith are the harts of men purified: without faith there is no true joying i• God: neither can we without faith love god: And whatsoever is not of faith is sin. All good works flow from faith, as from their fountain. We being justified by faith, have peace with god. The furthering causes of conversion are, The cross & chastisements; as also punishments, benefits, and examples of others. The subject or matter of conversion, which belongeth to the mind, will, and hart, is, 1. In the mind and understanding, a right judgement concerning god, his will and works. 2. In the will, an earnest and ready desire and purpose to obey god according to all his commandments. 3. In the hart, a good & reformed affection. The object of conversion, is 1. Sin, or disobedience, which is the thing from which we are converted. 2. Righteousness or new obedience, which is the thing whereunto we are converted. The formal cause of conversion is the conversion it self, and the properties thereof. The chief final cause of conversion is gods glory.