A14216:72
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.
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