A14216:44
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.
OF THE FIRST QUESTION.
OF THE FIRST QVESTION.
1THE argument and sum of the whole sacred Scripture cannot be more rightly, nor more simply, nor with more perspicuous brevity comprised, than the holy Ghost hath comprised it in the ten commandments, & Creed, in which the Articles of our Faith are rehearsed: which will be manifest enough if we remember that the whole Scripture consisteth of two parts, the Law and the Gospel. The Catechism of Heidelberg maketh mention of three, of which yet the first & the third appertain unto the Law. Others make five parts: The Decalogue or ten commandments, the Law, the Creed, the Sacraments, and prayer. But the Decalogue is the sum of the Law: and therefore is it to be referred unto the Law, which is the former part. The Creed containeth the sum of the Gospel: and therefore must it be referred unto the Gospel, which is the second part. The Sacraments are as appurtenances adjoined unto the doctrine of the Gospel: therefore also they are referred unto the second part. Prayer is a part of the worship of God; and therefore to be referred unto the Law. There are also who say, this doctrine of the Church is divided. 1. Into the doctrine as touching God, 2. into the doctrine concerning his will, 3. into the doctrine concerning his §1works. But these three parts are handled both in the Law, and in the Gospel.2 1. For all the doctrine concerning God is either of the nature, or of the will, or of the works of God. ⟨p. 7⟩Wherefore what the nature of God is, is taught in the Law and Gospel. His will is seen either in his commandments, or in his threatenings, or in his promises. Now his works either are his benefits, or the judgements of his will, which are to be beheld in the creation, after the fall, & in the restoring of man. Besides these, the sins also of men and devils are described. And of all these we are taught, either in the Law, or in the Gospel, or in both. Wherefore the Law & the Gospel are the chief general heads which comprehend all the doctrine of the Scripture.