A14216:2494
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.
Besides this cause, there are many others also in like sort most weighty, which we will in few words declare. We are to do good works, in respect of God, our selves, and our neighbour. In respect of God, 1. Because of the commandment of God; Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. God requireth the beginning of obedience in this life, and the perfection thereof in the life to come. Wherefore we are necessarily to give our selves to good works, that we may perform due obedience unto God, who requireth it of us. Joh. 15·12. This is my commandment, that ye love one another. Rom. 6.18. Being made free from sin, ye are made the servants of righteousness. 1. Thess. 4.3. This is the will of God, even your sanctification. 2. For the glory of God. The setting forth of Gods glory is the chief end why God commandeth and will have good works to be don of us: that both by them we may worship and magnify god, and others seeing the same may glorify our heavenly father; like as that saying of christ before alleged out of S. Matthew doth teach us. 3 Because of that thankfulness which the regenerate owe. It is right and just that by whom we are redeemed, and from whom we receive exceeding great benefits, and those of all sorts, we should also love, magnify, worship, reverence him, and declare our love and thankfulness towards him by our good works and obedience. Rom. 12.1. J beseech you brethren by the mercies of God, that ye give up your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable serving of God. 1. Pet. 2.5. Ye are made an holy Priesthood to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to god by Jesus Christ.
Besides this cause, there are manie others also in like sort most weightie, which we wil in few words declare. We are to doe good woorkes, in respect of God, our selues, and our neighbour. In respect of God, 1. Because of the commandement of God; Let your light so shine before men, that they maie see your good workes, and glorifie your Father which is in heauen. God requireth the beginning of obedience in this life, and the perfection thereof in the life to come. Wherefore we are necessarilie to giue our selues to good workes, that wee maie perfourme due obedience vnto God, who requireth it of vs.