A14216:731
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.
5 By what means mans delivery may be wrought.
5 By what meanes mans deliuerie may be wrought.
The means whereby we may be delivered from the curse, and being reconciled to God, may be accounted just before him, is only one, even a full and condigne or worthy satisfaction, that is, punishment for sins committed, or obedience omitted. For the Law,1 when as we have not performed obedience, doth justly exact punishment of us: this being sufficiently payed, we are received of God into grace, and being endued with the holy spirit are renewed to the image of God, that we may hence-forward obey his Law, and enjoy everlasting blissfulness. Being therefore reconciled unto God by satisfaction most fully performed unto the Law, we are delivered then from sin also, that is, from corruption it self, by regeneration, that is, by the forcible working of the holy Ghost, abolishing it in us, and restoring true holiness and righteousness, here, by beginning it, and in the life to come also, by perfecting and absolving it. This delivery is necessarily knit with the former, as a necessary effect with his proper & nearest cause. For God will of that condition accept of this satisfaction, and for it pardon our sin, so that we leave off to offend him hereafter thorough our sins, and be thankful unto him for our sins pardoned, and other his benefits. For to be willing to be received into Gods favour, and yet not to be willing to cease from sinning, is to mock God. Wherefore they who are received of God into favour, are withal regenerated: and satisfaction is the cause, as of acceptation, so also of regeneration. Now that, if satisfaction or sufficient punishment come not between, there is no delivery from the guilt, or from sin it self: the cause hereof is gods great justice, and truth, which his mercy doth no way overthrow,