A14216:2495
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.
We are to do good works also in respect of our selves, 1. That by our good works we may be assured of our faith. Mat. 7.17. Every good tree bringeth forth good fruit. James 2.20. That faith which is without works is dead. Phil. 1.11. Filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ unto the glory and praise of god. Now by our works we must needs know, that we have faith, because the effect is not without his cause, and we must know the cause by his proper effect. ⟨p. 838⟩when as therefore we find not in our selves good works or new obedience, we are hypocrites, neither have we faith, but an evil conscience. For true faith only (which never wan teth all her fruits) bringeth forth, as a fruitful tree, good works, obedience, amendment of life: and these fruits likewise discern and distinguish true faith from historical, and temporary faith, and so also from hypocrisy. 2. That we may be assured that we have obtained remission of sins through Christ; and are for Christs sake justified before God, for justification and sanctification are benefits linked together, which so cleave together, and that necessarily, as they never can be severed or pulled asunder. For Christ obtained both for us at once; namely both remission of sins, and the holy Ghost who stirreth up in us by faith the study and desire of good works, and new obedience. 3. That we may be assured of our election and salvation. 2. Pet. 1.10. Give diligence to make your calling and election sure. These proceed from the cause next going before. For god hath chosen from everlasting of his free mercy those only which are justified for the merit of his son. Roman. 8.30. Whom he predestinate, them also he called, and them also he justified. Now, that we have received from Christ justification, (which is never given unto the Elect without sanctification) we know by faith. And that we have faith, we perceive by the works of faith, true obedience and true conversion. 4. That by good works our faith may be exercised, cherished, strengthened, and advanced. For they who give themselves over to corrupt lusts against their conscience, in them faith cannot be, and therefore neither a good conscience, neither a confidence and trust in god as being appeased and favourable unto them.