A14216:311
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.
To this may be added this reason: that sin cannot be a proper & natural effect of any cause but of that which hath power to do against the law. But this no nature hath power to do,1 besides the nature of Angels, and of men: For God is a law unto himself, and can not do or intend any thing against his law. And other creatures, whereas they are not endued with reason, and therefore the law not made for them, they cannot commit sin: because take away the law, and there is no place left for sin. Wherefore it necessarily followeth, that sin is such an effect, as agreeth to those Angels alone who fell, and to men.
To this may be added this reason: that sinne cannot be a proper & natural effect of any cause but of that which hath power to doe against the law. But this no nature hath power to doe,1 besides the nature of Angels, and of men: For God is a law vnto himselfe, and can not doe or intend any thing against his lawe. And other creatures, whereas they are not indued with reason, and therefore the law not made for them, they cannot commit sinne: because take away the law, and there is no place left for sinne. Wherefore it necessarily foloweth, that sinne is such an effect, as agreeth to those Angels alone who fell, and to men.
- 1Sin the proper effect of a reasonable nature transgressing the law.Sinne the proper effect of a reasonable nature transgressing the law.
1But there is an order to be observed in these causes. For the cause of the first sin in Paradise is the Devil, instigating, & the will of man assenting or obeying; & these former sins are the causes of all that follow. The reasons, 1. Because by one man sin entered into the world. 2. Because man and the Devil are able by their own nature to sin against the law. And that first sin or first fall in Paradise is the cause of original sin, both in Adam, who fell, and in others who have their descent from him. Original sin is the cause preparative as it were of all actual sins, according to that of Paul, Sin that dwelleth in me doth it, and evil and corrupt inclinations do carry me to evil actions. Causes impulsive of sins are those objects which solicit men to sin. Yea actual sins are the causes also of those sins that follow them.