A14216:859
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.
Temporary faith, and the faith of miracles, is given to those who are members of the visible Church only, that is hypocrites. But now nevertheless this faith of miracles ceaseth which flourished in the Primitive Church; for that now the Doctrine is sufficiently confirmed. Historical faith all they have, who are by profession of the Church, whether they be of the godly, or reprobates: yea and they also, who are not members of the Church, but enemies, as Devils & Tyrants. Historical is a part of Justifying faith: because there can be no assent or persuasion of a thing, which is not first known.
Temporarie faith, and the faith of miracles, is giuen to those who are members of the visible Church only, that is hypocrites. But now neuerthelesse this faith of miracles ceaseth which florished in the Primatiue Church; for that nowe the Doctrine is sufficiently confirmed. Historicall faith all they haue, who are by profession of the Church, whether they be of the godly, or reprobates: yea and they also, who are not members of the Church, but enimies, as Diuels & Tyrants. Historicall is a part of Iustifieng faith: because there can bee no assent or perswasion of a thing, which is not first knowen.
Objection. Historical faith is a good work. 1The Devils have Historical faith. Therefore they have good works. Answer. ⟨p. 282⟩Historical faith is a good work, if it be joined with an application of those things, whereto it assenteth, that is, with confidence. Reply. Historical faith is a good work, though it be not joined with confidence, because it is an effect of the spirit of God: Therefore the Devils have good works. Answer Historical faith is a good work in it self, but is made ill by an accident, for that the reprobate do not apply those things to themselves which they know and believe to be true. Wherefore the Devils are said to tremble: for that they do not think that God is towards them also such, as is described in his word, good, merciful, &c. The sum is: As the substance it self of the Devils, and other things which they retain still of their first creation; so also both the knowledge and faith which they have concerning divine matters, are in themselves very good, because they are the effects and gifts of god: but they are made evil by an accident, even by reason of their abusing of them, for that they refer them, not to this end as to show themselves grateful unto God the author of these good things, and to magnify him for them.