A14216:295
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.
The works of the regenerate and unregenerate differ seven manner of ways.
The workes of the regenerate and vnregenerate differ seuen maner of waies.
IN this place is to be observed the difference between the works of the regenerate, and unregenerate. They differ seven ways.1 For one and the same work commanded of God, is good in the regenerate, and sin in the unregenerate. 1. Because the regenerate are reconciled to God: The unregenerate are not. 2. The regenerate do it to the glory of God: The unregenerate no way do so. 3. In both of them that good work is imperfect. but that of the godly is covered by the satisfaction and intercession of Christ: that of the ungodly not so. 4. The work of the godly is joined with a beginning obedience: that of the ungodly with sin reigning. 5. The good work which is in the wicked, is made evil. But the good which is in the godly, though it be contaminated with sin; yet because it is hidden by the satisfaction of Christ, it is not punished; neither is it objected unto him, that he doth defile the gifts of God with his sins, neither doth the Lord for that work bereave the regenerate man of everlasting life: all which he doth in those who are not regenerate. 6. The good work in the wicked is only adorned with temporal rewards; & that not as if it pleased god, but for to invite by this means others to honesty. But the good work in the godly is freely adorned not only with temporal but also with eternal benefits; & that also because it pleaseth him in our mediator,2 & not only thereby to invite others to honesty; according to that of Christs: So let your light shine before men, that they may see your good works & glorify your father which is in heaven. Wherefore the good works of the godly are often times in the old testament shadowed by an acceptable incense, wherewith God is honoured & pleased. And godliness, as the Apostle saith, hath the promise of this life & the life to come. 7. Good works in the unregenerate make only to the mitigation of their punishments, that they may not suffer more grievous pains, as other wicked persons do: but the good works of the godly do not only serve for this, that they may suffer lighter and easier punishments, but also that they may be quite freed from all evil.