A14216:464
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.
2 Objection. God commendeth us for good works. 1Therefore good works are in our power and vvill. Answer. This is a fallacy concluding of that which is no cause, as if it were a cause. God commendeth our good works, not because they are or can be performed of us, without our renewing by the holy ghost; but because they are agreeable unto his law, and good, and pleasing unto him: yea because they are his own gifts and effects in us; and we his instruments unto whom he communicateth himself and his blessings: according as it is said Romans. 8. Whom he predestinate, them also he called.
2 Obiection. God commendeth vs for good vvorkes. 1Therefore good vvorkes are in our povver and vvill. Answere. This is a fallacie concluding of that which is no cause, as if it were a cause. God commendeth our good workes, not because they are or can bee performed of vs, without our renewing by the holy ghost; but because they are agreeable vnto his lawe, and good, and pleasing vnto him: yea because they are his owne giftes and effectes in vs; and wee his instrumentes vnto whom hee communicateth himselfe and his blessinges: according as it is saide Romans. 8. Whom he predestinate, them also he called.
- 1The praise and commendation which is given of God to our good works doth not prove that they proceed from our selves, but rather are his gifts.The praise and commendation which is giuen of God to our good workes doth not proue that they proceed from our selues, but rather are his giftes.
Reply. Who doth not in such sort work well, as that it is in his own power to do either well or ill, he deserveth neither commendation nor reward: but those good things which men do are not in their power and arbiterment, therefore they deserve not either commendation or rewards for their virtues. Answer. If the question be of desert, we grant the whole Argument. For it is true, that no creature can deserve or merit ought at gods hand; neither ought the praise or commendation or glory be given to us, as if the good which we do were of our selves, it being god