A14216:495
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.
4 Objection. The Scripture in many places ascribeth perfection of good works to Saints, even in this life, and saith that they are perfect, and did walk with their whole and perfect heart before God. Psalm 119. I have sought thee with my whole heart: and in the same Psalm, Blessed are they that keep his testimonies, and seek him with their whole heart. Genes. 6. Noah was a just and upright man in his time. 2. Chron. 15.17. The heart of Asa was perfect in all his days. ⟨p. 182⟩Matth. 5.1 Be ye perfect, as your father, in heaven is perfect. Answer. First these and the like speeches speak of that perfection which is not of degrees, but of parts, or of the integrity and sincerity of the obedience begun in them. Perfection of degrees, or obedience perfect in degrees, is that which hath not only all the parts of obedience, but that degree also, which the law requireth in us. Such a perfection have not the regenerate in this life: They have indeed all the parts of obedience begun in them, but yet weakly, so that they are here daily more and more perfected, but attain not to the chief and due degree thereof until they enjoy the life to come. The perfection of parts is the integrity of obedience, or whole obedience, begun according to the whole law: or, it is a desire and endeavour to obey God, and withstand corrupt lusts, according not to some only, but to all the commandments of his law. The perfection of security, is a desire or study of obedience and godliness, not feigned, but true and earnest, albeit somewhat be wanting to the parts, as touching the degree. This perfection, to wit, both the integrity and sincerity of obedience, is in all the regenerate. For unto them is it proper, to submit themselves to the commandments of God, even to all without exception, and to begin in this life all the parts of true godliness, or obedience. This is called also the justice of a good conscience, because it is a necessary effect of faith, and pleaseth God through Christ.