A14216:863
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.
Against the certainty of faith, 1whereof we spake in the definition of faith, some dispute on this wise. Object. 1. They, who may fall before the end of their life into sin & damnation, cannot be certain of their salvation & everlasting life: This is proved, because, to be certain, and to be in possibility to fall, are contrary one to the other: It is false therefore, which is taught in the definition of Justifying faith, to wit, that everlasting life is given us, and so our faith to be certain and assured of it. Ans. To be in possibility of falling, or failing, that is finally,2 is contrary to the certainty of our salvation. But they who are once enriched by god with true faith, do not fail finally. Reply. 1. All that are weak may fail finally. We are all weak. Therefore we may fail finally. Auns. The Major is to be distinguished. All that are weak may fail finally; true, if they stood by their own strength. But we, who are believers, stand, preserved and upheld by the grace and power of God. Therefore can we not finally fail. For whom God hath once embraced with his favour, them he will not, nor suffereth to fall utterly from his grace. Reply. 2. But god hath no where promised that he will keep and preserve us in his grace. Answer. Yes, he hath promised, and expressed it, Joh. 1.28. I give unto them eternal life, and they shall never perish, neither shall any pluck them out of mine hand. My father which gave them me is greater than all, and none is able to take them out of my fathers hand. I and my father are one. Rom. 8.38. I am persuaded that neither death, nor life, nor Angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come &c. shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus. Reply. 3. But it is said, 1. Corint. 10.12. Let him that thinketh he standeth, take heed least he fall. Therefore perseverance dependeth not of God promising, but of our selves, and therefore is doubtful, standing upon a doubtful ground. Answer. This is a fallacy reasoning from that which is no cause, as if it were a cause. For by this very exhortation he goeth about to nourish, make perfect, and preserve the safety of the faithful. ⟨p. 284⟩