A14216:484
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 first, for that in this life the renewing of our nature is not perfect, neither as concerning the knowledge of GOD, neither as concerning our inclinations to obey GOD: and therefore in the best men, while they live here, remain still many and great sins both original and others. The Second, for that the regenerate be not always ruled by the holy spirit, but are sometimes for a time forsaken of GOD, either for to try, or to chastise, or humble them, but yet are recalled to repentance, that they perish not. Of the ⟨p. 178⟩first cause it is said, Rom. 7. I know that in me, that is, in my flesh dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me, but I find no means to perform that which is good. Marc. 9. I believe Lord, but help thou my unbelief. Of the second cause it is said Psa. 51. Take not away thy holy spirit from me. Isaiah 63.17. O Lord, why hast thou made us to err from thy ways, and hardened our heart from thy fear? Return for thy servants sake. 1. Kings. 8.57. The Lord our God be with us that he forsake us not, neither leave us. Therefore the regenerate man in this life doth always go either forward or backward: never continueth in the same state.
The first, for that in this life the renewing of our nature is not perfect, neither as concerning the knowledge of GOD, neither as concerning our inclinations to obey GOD: and therefore in the best men, while they liue here, remaine stil many and great sinnes both originall and others. The Second, for that the regenerate bee not alwaies ruled by the holy spirite, but are sometimes for a time forsaken of GOD, eyther for to try, or to chastise, or humble them, but yet are recalled to repentaunce, that they perish not. Of the ⟨p. 178⟩first cause it is said, Rom. 7. I knowe that in me, that is, in my flesh dwelleth no good thing: for to wil is present with mee, but I finde no meanes to performe that which is good.