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.
Zacharias Ursinus 1534–1583Oxford: printed by Joseph Barnes, 1587Oxford: printed by Ioseph Barnes, 1587
[16], 1047, [9] p. · 432k words · STC 24532 · ESTC S118924
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 marks, which distinguish the Church, or the professors of true doctrine from others, are these. 1. Purity of doctrine. 2. The right use of the Sacraments. 3. Obedience towards God and his doctrine, both in life and manners. Many times truly great vices do grow in the Church, but they are not maintained, as falleth out in other Sects. For the true Church is the first her self that doth comprehend and condemn them, before any other. As long as this remaineth, so long remaineth the Church.
The marks, which distinguish the Church, or the professors of true doctrine from others, are these. 1. Puritie of doctrine. 2. The right vse of the Sacramentes. 3. Obedience towards God and his doctrine, both in life and maners. Many times truly great vices do grow in the Church, but they are not maintained, as falleth out in other Sectes. For the true Church is the first her selfe that doth comprehend and condemne them, before any other. As long as this remaineth, so long remaineth the Church.
1GOD in the very creation of the world put this bridle in the mouth of all reasonable creatures, that no man without extreme and manifest impudency, such as was the Devils in paradise, durst say that any thing, if it were once apparently known to have been spoken or commanded by God, might be called into question, or that any man might refuse to obey it. Here-hence are those things so often inculcated in the Prophets, Hearken O heavens, & hearken O earth, For the Lord hath spoken. Thus saith the Lord. The word of the Lord came to Isaiah, Jeremiah, &c. Since therefore it appeareth that the books of the old and new Testament are the words of God, there is no place left of doubting whether ⟨p. 13⟩that be the true Religion and doctrine which is contained in them. But whether these books were written by divine instinct, and by what proofs and Testimonies we are certain of so great a matter, this is a question not to be let pass of us.2 For except this above all other things remain steadfast and immovable, that whatsoever we read in the books of the Prophets and Apostles, doth as truly declare the will of God unto us, as if we did hear God openly speaking to us from heaven: it cannot choose but that the very foundation and whole certainty of Christian Religion must be weakened. Wherefore it is a consideration worthy those who are desirous of the Glory of God, and do seek for sure comfort, to enquire whence it may appear unto us that the holy Scripture is the word of God. To this question now long since answer hath bin made by the Papists, that forsooth it is not otherwise certain,3 then because the Church doth confirm it by her Testimony. But we, as we neither reject nor contemn the Testimony of the true Church, so we doubt not but their opinion is pestilent and detestable, who often say that the holy Scriptures have not their authority else-where then from the word of the Church.
1GOD in the very creation of the woorld put this bridle in the mouth of all reasonable creatures, that no man without extreme and manifest impudencie, such as was the Diuels in paradise, durst saie that anie thing, if it were once apparantly knowen to haue beene spoken or commaunded by God, might be called into question, or that any man might refuse to obey it. Here-hence are those things so often inculcated in the Prophets, Hearken O heauens, & hearken O earth, For the Lord hath spoken. Thus saith the Lord. The woorde of the Lord came to Esaias, Ieremias, &c. Since therefore it appeareth that the bookes of the olde and new Testament are the wordes of God, there is no place left of doubting whether
For first, wicked is it and blasphemous to say,1 that the authority of Gods word dependeth of the testimony of man. And if it be so, that the chiefest cause, why we believe that the scriptures were delivered from heaven, be the witness of the church, who seeth not that hereby the authority of mans voice is made greater, then of the voice of God? For he that yieldeth his testimony unto an other, so that he is the only or the chief cause, why credence is given unto the other, out of all doubt greater credit is given unto him, then unto the other who receiveth his testimony. Wherefore it is a speech most unworthy the majesty of God, that the voice of God speaking in his holy book is not acknowledged, except it be confirmed by the witness of men.
For first, wicked is it and blasphemous to say,1 that the autority of Gods woord dependeth of the testimonie of man. And if it be so, that the chiefest cause, why wee beleeue that the scriptures were deliuered from heauen, be the witnes of the church, who seeth not that heerby the autoritie of mans voice is made greater, then of the voice of God? For he that yeeldeth his testimonie vnto an other, so that he is the onely or the chiefe cause, why credence is giuen vnto the other, out of all doubt greater credite is giuen vnto him, then vnto the other who receiueth his testimonie. Wherefore it is a speech most vnwoorthy the maiestie of God, that the voice of God speaking in his holie booke is not acknowledged, except it bee confirmed by the witnesse of men.
11. Reason. The reproach of God.1. Reason. The reproch of God.
Secondarily:1 whereas the doctrine of the Prophets & Apostles doth preach of so great matters, as the certain knowledge of them is so greatly desired of all, who are well disposed, and the conflicts of doubtfulness in all mens minds ⟨p. 14⟩are so great: what full assurance of our faith can there be, what sure consolation against the assaults of temptations, if that that voice, on which our confidence relieth, be no otherwise known unto us to be indeed the voice of God, but because men say so, in whom we see so much ignorance, error, and vanity to be, that no man scarcely, especially in matters of some weight, doth attribute much unto their word, except other reasons concur with it.
Secondarily:1 wheras the doctrine of the Prophets & Apostles doth preach of so great matters, as the certaine knowledge of thē is so greatly desired of all, who are well disposed, and the conflictes of doubtfulnes in all mens mindes ⟨p. 14⟩are so great: what full assurance of our faith can there bee, what sure consolation against the assaultes of temptations, if that that voice, on which our confidence relieth, bee no otherwise knowen vnto vs to bee indeed the voice of God, but because men say so, in whom wee see so much ignorance, error, and vanitie to bee, that no man scarcely, especially in matters of some weight, doth attribute much vnto their woorde, except other reasons concurre with it.
12. Reason. Our comfort. Faith is groū dead on approved witness, therefore not on mans.2. Reason. Our comfort. Faith is groū ded on approoued witnes, therfore not on mans.
1Thirdly, the truth of God and christian religion is plainly exposed unto the mocks and scoffs of the wicked, if we going about to stop their mouths do therefore only desire that we should be credited, that our Religion is from God, because our selves say so. For if they be by no other confutation repressed, they will with no less show of truth deny it, than we affirm it.
1Thirdly, the truth of God and christian religion is plainly exposed vnto the mockes and scoffes of the wicked, if we going about to stop their mouthes do therefore onely desire that we should be credited, that our Religion is from God, because our selues say so. For if they bee by no other confutation repressed, they will with no lesse shew of truth deny it, than wee affirme it.
1Last of all, the scripture it self in many places is against this opinion, & doth challenge a far higher authority unto it self, than which hangeth upon mens words. For so saith Christ himself, John. 5. I receive not the record of man: signifying thereby, that his doctrine stood not, no not on John Baptists testimony, although yet he did allege it, but as of less account, that he might omit nothing, by which men might be moved to believe. Therefore he addeth, But I say these things that you may believe, I have a greater witness then the witness of John. And if Christ now being humbled said these things of himself, then surely shall they be no less true of him being in glory, and sitting in his throne: And 1. Corinth. 2. Paul saith: My word and my preaching stood not in the enticing speech of mans wisdom, but in plain evidence of the spirit, and of power, that your faith should not be in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God. If so be then our faith must not rest no not upon reasons wisely framed by men, much less shall it depend on the bare word of men. Eph. 2. the Church herself is said to be builded upon the foundation of the Prophets and Apostles. If then the confidence and confession of the Church stayeth on the doctrine of the Prophets and Apostles, as on the foundation: the certainty of the Scripture cannot hang on the Churches witness. For so should not the Church be upheld by the testimony of the Prophets and Apostles, but by her own. And 1. John. 5. it is ⟨p. 15⟩said; If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater. If it be greater, then the authority of it hangeth not on the record of man: But we are to give more credence unto God witnessing the Prophets and Apostles writings to be indeed his voice, then unto the Church affirming the same.
1Last of all, the scripture it selfe in many places is against this opinion, & doth chalenge a far higher authoritie vnto it selfe, thē which hangeth vpon mens woords. For so sayth Christ himselfe,
Now that it is said of the contrary,1 That by the Churches Objection. 1 record alone it doth appear unto us, that the sacred books, which we have, were written by the Prophets and Apostles, whose names they bear in their forehead, and that even unto us they are come uncorrupt: this we grant not. For God far more certainly testifieth both in the Scripture and in the hearts of his Saints, that no feigned or forged thing is in these books, than it can be by the Church, and all the creatures of the world confirmed. They therefore who stand upon the Churches testimony alone in this point, show that themselves have not as yet felt or understood the chiefest testimonies.
Now that it is said of the contrary,1 That by the Churches Obiection. 1 record alone it doth appeare vnto vs, that the sacred bookes, which wee haue, were written by the Prophets and Apostles, whose names they beare in their forhead, and that euen vnto vs they are come vncorrupt: this we grant not. For God farre more certainly testifyeth both in the Scripture and in the hartes of his Saints, that no fained or forged thing is in these books, thē it can be by the Church, and all the creatures of the world confirmed. They therefore who stand vpon the Churches testimonie alone in this point, shew that themselues haue not as yet felt or vnderstood the chiefest testimonies.
1That they are true, the Church alone doth witness. Answer. The minor is false.That they are true, the Church alone doth witnesse. Answere. The minor is false.
Furthermore they say, that the books authentic, 1or as they Objection. 2 term them, Canonical of both Testaments are discerned from the Apocryphal by the Churches judgement: and therefore that the authority of holy canon doth depend on the churches wisdom. But that this difference of the books is not determined by the churches judgement, but being imprinted into the books themselves by the Spirit of God is only acknowledged and approved by the Church: this is easily to be understood, if the causes of this difference be considered. For either in these which are called Apocryphal the force and majesty of the heavenly spirit doth less evidently appear in the weight and vehemency of words and matter, then in others, of which it is clear that they are the heavenly oracles therefore set down in writing by divine instinct, that they might be the rule of our faith: or it cannot be determined, neither out of these books themselves,2 nor out of others, which are canonical, that they were written either by the Prophets, or Apostles: because either they were not penned by those, whom God by certain testimonies hath warranted unto us to be endued with a prophetical spirit: or themselves do not show any certain authors of them: or by their form of speech or other reasons it may be gathered, that they were not left of them, whose names ⟨p. 16⟩they bear. Now as touching either this evidence of the spirit, or certainty of the authors, we build not our judgement on the testimony of the Church, but of the books themselves. And therefore not for the Churches judgement only do we judge some books to be canonical, and the foundation and rule of our faith, and do therefore accept of the doctrine of other some, because they agree with the canonical: but rather for the very causes of this difference which we find in the books them-selves.
Furthermore they say, that the bookes authentike, 1or as they Obiection. 2 terme them, Canonical of both Testamentes are discerned from the Apocryphall by the Churches iudgement: and therefore that the autority of holy canon doth depend on the churches wisedome. But that this difference of the bookes is not determined by the churches iudgement, but being imprinted into the books themselues by the Spirite of God is onely acknowledged and approoued by the Church: this is easily to be vnderstood, if the causes of this difference be considered. For either in these which are called Apocryphall the force and maiesty of the heauenly spirit doth lesse euidently appeare in the weight and vehemency of woordes and matter, then in others, of which it is clear that they are the heauenly oracles therefore set downe in writing by diuine instinct, that they might be the rule of our faith: or it cannot be determined, neither out of these books themselues,
Objection. 3 1As for that, which some men say, that the Church is ancienter then the Scriptures, and therefore of greater authority, it is too trifling. For the word of God is the everlasting wisdom in God him-self. Neither was the knowledge of it then first manifested unto the Church, when it was committed to writing, but the manifesting of it began together with the creation of mankind, and the first beginnings of the Church in paradise: yea, the word is that immortal seed of which the Church was borne.
Obiection. 3 1As for that, which some men say, that the Church is ancienter then the Scriptures, and therefore of greater autoritie, it is too trifling. For the woord of God is the euerlasting wisedome in God him-selfe. Neither was the knowledge of it then first manifested vnto the Church, when it was committed to writing, but the manifesting of it began together with the creation of mankind, and the first beginnings of the Church in paradice: yea, the woord is that immortall seede of which the Church was borne.
1The Church is more ancient than the Scripture. 1. Answer. The minor is false.The Church is more ancient than the Scripture. 1. Answere. The minor is false.
1The Church therefore could not be, except the word were first delivered. Now when we name the holy Scripture, we mean not so much the characters of the letters and the volumes, but rather the sentences which are contained in them, which they shall never be able to prove to be of less antiquity then the Church. For albeit they were repeated and declared often after the beginning of the gathering of the Church:2 yet the sum of the Law & Gospel was the same for ever.
1The Church therefore could not bee, except the woord were first deliuered. Now when wee name the holy Scripture, wee meane not so much the characters of the letters and the volumes, but rather the sentences which are conteined in them, which they shal neuer be able to prooue to be of lesse antiquitie then the Church. For albeit they were repeated and declared often after the beginning of the gathering of the Church:2 yet the summe of the Law & Gospell was the same for euer.
1The Scripture is first in nature as the cause.
22. Answer. The Major is false. A younger workman may be more skilful than an elder.2. Answere. The Maior is false. A yonger workmā may be more skilful than an elder.
To conclude, neither is that which they assume, always true, That the authority of the ancienter witness is greater than of th• younger. For such may be the condition & quality of the younger witness, that he may deserve greater credit then the ancienter. Christ being man, bare witness of himself: Moses also and the Prophets had long time before borne witness of him: neither yet is the authority therefore greater, no not of all the other witnesses, then of Christ alone: In like sort the Church witnesseth that the holy Scripture, which we have, is the word of God: The Scripture it self also doth witness of it self the same, but with that kind of witness, that is more certain and sure than all the oaths of Angels and men.
To conclude, neither is that which they assume, alwaies true, That the autority of the ancienter witnes is greater thā of th• yōger. For such may be the conditiō & quality of the yonger witnes, that he may deserue greater credit then the ancienter. Christ being man, bare witnes of himselfe: Moses also and the Prophets had long time before borne witnes of him: neither yet is the autoritie therefore greater, no not of all the other witnesses, then of Christ alone: In like sort the Church witnesseth that the holy Scripture, which wee haue, is the woord of God: The Scripture it selfe also doth witnes of it selfe the same, but with that kinde of witnes, that is more certaine and sure than all the othes of Angels and men.
There is alleged also to this purpose a place. 1.1 to Timot. Objection. 4 3. Where the Church is called the pillar and ground of the truth. But since the Scripture doth teach otherwhere, and that not once, that the foundation of the Church is Christ and his word: it is manifest enough that the Church is the pillar of the truth, not a fundamental or upholding pillar, but a ministerial, that is, a keeper and spreader of it abroad, and as it were a mansion place or sure seat, which might carry the truth left with her, and committed unto her, in the open face of all mankind:2 even as the holy Apostle Paul was called an elect vessel to bear the name of God before the gentiles and kings: neither yet did Paul get credit unto the Gospel, but the Gospel unto Paul. So likewise are the Apostles termed pillars, Galat. 2. not that the Church rested on their persons, but that they were the chief teachers of the gospel, and as it were the chieftains and masters of doctrine. For a man is not bound to believe those that teach, on their bare word, but for the proofs which they bring of their doctrine.
There is alleadged also to this purpose a place. 1.1 to Timot. Obiection. 4 3. Where the Church is called the pillar and ground of the truth. But since the Scripture doth teach otherwhere, and that not once, that the foundation of the Church is Christ and his word: it is manifest inough that the Church is the pillar of the truth, not a foundamentall or vpholding piller, but a ministeriall, that is, a keeper and spreader of it abroad, and as it were a mansion place or sure seat, which might carrie the truth left with her, and committed vnto her, in the open face of all mankinde:2 euen as the holy Apostle Paul was called an elect vessell to beare the name of God before the gentiles and kinges: neither yet did Paul get credit vnto the Gospell, but the Gospell vnto Paul. So likewise are the Apostles termed pillars, Galat. 2. not that the Church rested on their persons, but that they were the chiefe teachers of the gospell, and as it were the chieftaines and maisters of doctrine. For a man is not bound to beleeue those that teach, on their bare woord, but for the proofes which they bring of their doctrine.
that bee the true Religion and doctrine which is conteined in them. But whether these bookes were written by diuine instinct, and by what proofes and Testimonies we are certaine of so great a matter, this is a question not to be let passe of vs.
For except this aboue all other things remain stedfast and immoueable, that whatsoeuer we read in the bookes of the Prophets and Apostles, doth as truely declare the wil of God vnto vs, as if wee did heare God openly speaking to vs from heauen: it cannot chuse but that the very foundation and whole certainty of Christian Religion must bee weakned. Wherefore it is a consideration worthy those who are desirous of the Glory of God, and do seeke for sure comfort, to enquire whence it may appeare vnto vs that the holy Scripture is the word of God. To this question now long since answere hath bin made by the Papists, that forsooth it is not otherwise certain,
then because the Church doth confirme it by her Testimonie. But we, as we neither reiect nor contemne the Testimony of the true Church, so we doubt not but their opinion is pestilent and detestable, who often saie that the holie Scriptures haue not their authoritie else-where then from the woorde of the Church.
1Whence it may appear that this Religion alone was delivered of God which is contained in the Scripture.Whence it may appeare that this Religion alone was deliuered of God which is conteined in the Scripture.
2Wherefore this question is necassary.
3The first part. The authority of the Scripture doth not depend of the Church.The first part. The autority of the Scripture doth not depēd of the Church.
. I receiue not the record of man: signifieng thereby, that his doctrine stood not, no not on Iohn Baptists testimonie, although yet he did alleadge it, but as of lesse account, that he might omit nothing, by which men might be moued to beleeue. Therefore he addeth, But I saie these thinges that you may beleeue, I haue a greater witnes then the witnes of Iohn. And if Christ nowe beeing humbled said these thinges of himselfe, then surely shall they be no lesse true of him being in glory, and sitting in his throne: And
. Paul saith: My word and my preaching stood not in the entising speech of mans wisedome, but in plaine euidence of the spirit, and of power, that your faith should not be in the wisedome of men, but in the power of God. If so bee then our faith must not rest no not vpon reasons wisely framed by men, much lesse shal it depend on the bare word of men.
. the Church herselfe is said to bee builded vpon the foundation of the Prophets and Apostles. If then the confidence and confession of the Church staieth on the doctrine of the Prophets and Apostles, as on the foundation: the certainty of the Scripture cannot hang on the Churches witnes. For so should not the Church be vpheld by the testimonie of the Prophets and Apostles, but by her owne. And
said; If we receiue the witnes of men, the witnes of God is greater. If it be greater, then the authoritie of it hangeth not on the record of man: But wee are to giue more credence vnto God witnessing the Prophets and Apostles writings to bee indeede his voice, then vnto the Church affirming the same.
nor out of others, which are canonicall, that they were written either by the Prophets, or Apostles: because either they were not penned by those, whom God by certaine testimonies hath warranted vnto vs to be endued with a prophetical spirit: or themselues do not shew any certaine authors of them: or by their forme of speech or other reasons it may be gathered, that they were not left of them, whose names
⟨p. 16⟩
they beare. Now as touching either this euidence of the spirit, or certainty of the authors, we builde not our iudgement on the testimonie of the Church, but of the bookes themselues. And therefore not for the Churches iudgement onely do we iudge some bookes to be canonicall, and the foundation and rule of our faith, and do therefore accept of the doctrine of other some, because they agree with the canonicall: but rather for the verie causes of this difference which wee finde in the bookes them-selues.
1The discerning of books. Answer. The Minor is false. 1 The working of the holy Ghost.The discerning of bookes. Answere. The Minor is false. 1 The working of the holy Ghost.
22 The certainty of authors.2 The certainty of authours.
