A14216:993
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.
The mercy or favourable and inclinable will of GOD to preserve his creatures and especially mankind,1 the Scripture proposeth unto us opened by these degrees. First, that he taketh delight in the salvation of all, but in the destruction of none. Ezech. 33.11. As I live, saith the Lord god, I desire not the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from his way, and live. Secondly, that he differreth, mitigateth, and taketh away punishments, inviting all men by his long suffering to repentance, if not one way, yet by the testimony of their conscience. Hereof Exod. 34. and often elsewhere he is said to be slow to anger. Thirdly, that he debaseth himself to relieve our infirmity both by inward and outward supplies, as by his spirit, word, oaths, Sacraments, and miracles. Fourthly, that he embraceth with singular love his chosen, so that he saveth, and delivereth them for ever from sin and all evils, and comforteth them also in afflictions, Revelat. 7. and 21. God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes. Isaiah 49.15. Though a woman should forget her Child, yet will I not forget thee. Fifthly, that he chose rather to bring to pass this our delivery even by the incarnation and death of his only begotten Son, than that all mankind should perish. John 3. So god loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Sonne. Sixthly, that he promiseth and performeth ⟨p. 330⟩all these things of his own free goodness. Exod. 34.19. I will show mercy, to whom I will show mercy: and will have compassion on whom I will have compassion. Isay, 43.25. I, even I, am he that putteth away thine iniquities for mine own sake, and will not remember thy sins.
The mercie or fauourable and inclinable will of GOD to preserue his creatures and especiallie mankinde,1 the Scripture proposeth vnto vs opened by these degrees. First, that hee taketh delight in the saluation of all, but in the destruction of none.