A14216:2602
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
Part 3 › Commandment 1: THE FIRST COMMANDMENT.Part 3 › Commandment 1: THE FIRST COMMANDEMENT.
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 Humility is, to acknowledge all those good things, which are in us & are done by us, not to come from any worthiness or ability of our own, but from the free goodness ⟨p. 879⟩of god: & so by the acknowledging of gods divine Majesty & our infirmity & unworthiness, to subject & submit our selves unto god, to give the glory of all good things, which are in us, to him alone, truly to fear god, & to acknowledge & bewail our own defects & vices, not to covet any higher place or condition, neither trusting in our own gifts, but in the help and assistance of God, to hold our selves contented with our own vocation and calling, not to despise others in comparison of our selves, neither to let or hinder them in the discharging of their duty, but to acknowledge that others also are and may be made profitable instruments of god, and therefore to give place and honour unto them; not to attribute unto our selves things above our force and power, not to affect an excellency above others: but to be well contented with those gifts which God hath given us, and to employ all our gifts & studies to the glory of God, & the safety of our neighbours, even those which are of the baser and unworthier sort; neither at any time to murmur against GOD, if we fail of our hope, or if we be despised, but in all things to ascribe the praise of wisdom & justice unto God. 1. Cor 4.6. These things I have figuratively applied unto mine own self, and Apollos, for your sakes, that ye might learn by us, that no man presume above that which is written, that one swell not against another for any mans cause. For who separateth thee? And what hast thou that thou hast not received? 1. Pet. 5.5. God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble. Humble your selves therefore under the mighty hand of god, that he may exalt you in due time. Matth. 18.4. Whosoever shall humble himself as this title child, the same is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Phil. 2.3. Do nothing through contention, or vain glory, but in meekness of mind every man esteem other better than himself.
3 Humilitie is, to acknowledge all those good thinges, which are in vs & are doone by vs, not to come from any worthines or abilitie of our owne, but from the free goodnes