A14216:418
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.
1These two things are common to God, and reasonable creatures, that is, Angels & men, that they do things upon deliberation and advise, and will without coaction those things which they have considered and thought of: that is, Their will being by nature fit to will the contrary or diverse from that which it doth will, or also to differ & forbear the action, doth incline to the other part of it own accord, and by a proper force which is within it. For it is said of God, Psal. 115. He hath done all things, which he would. And of men, Mat. 23. Jerusalem, how often would I have gathered thy children, and ye would not?
1THese two things are common to God, and reasonable creatures, that is, Angels & men, that they doe things vpon deliberation and aduise, and will without coaction those things which they haue considered and thought of: that is, Their wil being by nature fit to will the contrary or diuerse from that which it doth wil, or also to differre & forbear the action, doth incline to the other part of it owne accord, and by a proper force which is within it. For it is said of God, Psal. 115. He hath done all things, which hee would. And of men, Mat. 23. Hierusalem, how often would I haue gathered thy children, and ye would not?
- 1Common to men and Angels with God, to will a thing without constraint.Common to men and Angels with God, to wil a thing without constraint.
1But the differences also of this liberty in God and in the creatures are to be considered. The first is, in the understanding. God understandeth and knoweth all things of himself perfectly and perpetually; neither can any ignorance of any thing, or any error of judgement, fall into God at any time. But the creatures know neither of themselves, neither all things, neither the same at all times, but at such time, and so much, as is revealed unto them. Who hath known the mind of the Lord? Of that day and hour knoweth us man. God giveth understanding. Neither is there any thing which is not manifest in his sight. He enlighteneth every creature. To behold all things which are infinite, requireth infinite power and wisdom, which is proper to God alone. Mention is here made of the understanding, because a thing not understood is not either desired or refused.