A64611:1477
The sum of Christian religion, delivered by Zacharias Ursinus first, by way of catechism, and then afterwards more enlarged by a sound and judicious exposition, and application of the same : wherein also are debated and resolved the questions of whatsoever points of moment have been, or are controversed in divinity / first Englished by D. Henry Parry, and now again conferred with the best and last Latin edition of D. David Pareus, sometimes Professor of Divinity in Heidelberg ; whereunto is added a large and full alphabetical table of such matters as are therein contained ; together with all the Scriptures that are occasionally handled, by way either of controversy, exposition, or reconciliation, neither of which was done before, but now is performed for the readers delight and benefit ; to this work of Ursinus are now at last annexed the Theological miscellanies of D. David Pareus in which the orthodoxall tenets are briefly and solidly confirmed, and the contrary errors of the Papists, Ubiquitaries, Antitrinitaries, Eutychians, Socinians, and Arminians fully refuted ; and now translated into English out of the original Latin copy by A.R.The summe of Christian religion, delivered by Zacharias Ursinus first, by way of catechism, and then afterwards more enlarged by a sound and judicious exposition, and application of the same : wherein also are debated and resolved the questions of whatsoever points of moment have been, or are controversed in divinitie / first Englished by D. Henry Parry, and now again conferred with the best and last Latine edition of D. David Pareus, sometimes Professour of Divinity in Heidelberge ; whereunto is added a large and full alphabeticall table of such matters as are therein contained ; together with all the Scriptures that are occasionally handled, by way either of controversie, exposition, or reconciliation, neither of which was done before, but now is performed for the readers delight and benefit ; to this work of Ursinus are now at last annexed the Theologicall miscellanies of D. David Pareus in which the orthodoxall tenets are briefly and solidly confirmed, and the contrary errours of the Papists, Ubiquitaries, Antitrinitaries, Eutychians, Socinians, and Arminians fully refuted ; and now translated into English out of the originall Latine copie by A.R.
London: printed by James Young, 1645
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 time of the judgement to come is unknown to us; but as it is most certain that that judgement shall come, so God also would have us know the same, 1. In respect of his glory: that we might be able to refute Epicures, who account this heavenly Doctrine of the divine judgement to come for a fable; and from the confusion which now is in the world, infer, that the world is not governed by God; or if so, then he is unjust; for, It should go well, say they, with the righteous: But it doth not so: Therefore God either cannot perform it, or standeth not to his promises, or there is no providence. Unto which their cavil we answer; That because in this life it goeth not well with the godly, it shall go well with them at length after this life. 2. God will have us know it for our comfort: that we may comfort our selves amidst our evils and miseries with this, that at length shall come a time when we shall be delivered out of this corruption and rottenness. 3. That we may retain and keep our selves in the fear of God, and our duty, and that others also may be reclaimed from evil. This judgement shall be: let us endeavour therefore that we may be able to stand in this judgement. The Scripture useth this argument both ways, both to comfort us, and to hold and keep us in our duty. Christ shall at length judge the wicked and our enemies; suffer we therefore patiently persecutions.1 We shall all appear before the judgement seat of Christ: therefore live we godly.2 Watch therefore and pray continually, that ye may be counted worthy to escape all those things which shall come to pass, and that ye may stand before the Son of man. 3Seeing therefore that all these things must be dissolved, what manner persons ought ye to be in holy conversation and godliness? 4. That the wicked may be left excuselesse: for they are warned sufficiently, that they should be ready at every season, lest they should say, they were oppressed unawares.
THe time of the judgement to come is unknown to us; but as it is most certaine that that judgement shall come, so God also would have us know the same, 1. In respect of his glory: that wee might be able to refute Epicures, who account this heavenly Doctrine of the divine judgement to come for a fable; and from the confusion which now is in the world, inferre, that the world is not governed by God; or if so, then hee is unjust; for, It should goe well, say they, with the righteous: But it doth not so: Therefore God either cannot performe it, or standeth not to his promises, or there is no providence. Unto which their cavill we answer; That because in this life it goeth not well with the godly, it shall goe well with them at length after this life. 2. God will have us know it for our comfort: that we may comfort our selves amidst our evils and miseries with this, that at length shall come a time when wee shall be delivered out of this corruption and rottennesse. 3. That wee may retain and keep our selves in the feare of God, and our duty, and that others also may be reclaimed from evill. This judgement shall be: let us endeavour therefore that we may be able to stand in this judgement. The Scripture useth this argument both wayes, both to comfort us, and to hold and keep us in our duty. Christ shall at length judge the wicked and our enemies; suffer wee therefore patiently persecutions.1 We shall all appear before the judgement seate of Christ: therefore live wee godly.2 Watch therefore and pray continually, that yee may bee counted worthy to escape all those things which shall come to passe, and that yee may stand before the Son of man. 3Seeing therefore that all these things must be dissolved, what manner persons ought yee to be in holy conversation and godlinesse? 4. That the wicked may be left excuselesse: for they are warned sufficiently, that they should be ready at every season, lest they should say, they were oppressed unawares.
Albeit it be most certain that the last judgement shall at length be; yet the day of that judgement is altogether uncertain:1 Of that day and hour no man knoweth, no not the Angels which are in heaven, nor the Son himself, save the Father. Now the causes why God would have it hid from us are these: §11. That he might exercise our faith and patience, and so we should show that we would believe God, and persevere in the expectation of his promise, albeit we know not the time of our delivery. §22. That he might bridle our curiosity. §33. That he might keep us in his fear, in godliness, and in executing of our duty: and so we should be no way secure, but ready every moment, because were are uncertain when the Lord will come. §44. That the very wicked might not defer and prolong repentance, seeing they know not the hour;2 lest perhaps the day overtake them unawares: If the good man of the house knew at what watch the thief would come, he would surely watch. Watch therefore; for ye know neither the day nor the hour when the Son of man will come. 3Occupy till I come.
ALbeit it be most certain that the last judgement shall at length be; yet the day of that judgement is altogether uncertain:1 Of that day and hour no man knoweth, no not the Angels which are in heaven, nor the Son himself, save the Father. Now the causes why God would have it hid from us are these: §11. That he might exercise our faith and patience, and so wee should shew that wee would beleeve God, and persevere in the expectation of his promise, albeit we know not the time of our delivery. §22. That he might bridle our curiosity. §33. That hee might keep us in his fear, in godlinesse, and in executing of our duty: and so we should be no way secure, but ready every moment, because were are uncertain when the Lord will come.
He deferreth it, §11. To exercise faith, patience, hope, and prayer in the godly. §22. That all the elect may be gathered to the Church: For in respect of them, and not in respect of the wicked, doth the world continue; for the creatures were made for the children of the house: the wicked use them as thieves and robbers: But when the whole number of the Church is fulfilled and gathered together, then shall be the end. Now God will have the elect gathered by ordinary means; he will have them in this life to hear the word, and by it be renewed and converted; to which is required some tract of time. §33. He deferreth it, that he might grant unto all a time and space of repentance, as in Noah's time: and that his deferring might leave the wicked and obstinate without excuse:1 Despisest thou the riches of his bountifulness, and patience, and long sufferance, not knowing that the bountifulness of God leadeth thee to repentance? God suffereth with patience the vessels of wrath prepared to destruction.
HEe deferreth it, §11. To exercise faith, patience, hope, and prayer in the godly. §22. That all the elect may be gathered to the Church: For in respect of them, and not in respect of the wicked, doth the world continue; for the creatures were made for the children of the house: the wicked use them as theeves and robbers: But when the whole number of the Church is fulfilled and gathered together, then shall be the end. Now God will have the elect gathered by ordinary means; he will have them in this life to hear the word, and by it be renewed and converted; to which is required some tract of time. §33. Hee deferreth it, that hee might grant unto all a time and space of repentance, as in Noahs time: and that his deferring might leave the wicked and obstinate without excuse:1 Despisest thou the riches of his bountifulnesse, and patience, and long sufferance, not knowing that the bountifulnesse of God leadeth thee to repentance? God suffereth with patience the vessels of wrath prepared to destruction.
WE are doubt less to wish for the day of judgment, because it is an undoubted sign and token of that difference whereby the elect are discerned from the reprobate; which declaration the godly do earnestly desire. Moreover, it shall be a delivery out of those miseries in which we are:1 O wretched man that I am, who shall deliver me from the body of this death? 2The Spirit and the Bride say, Come Lord Jesus: which they say not, who are not ready to receive the Lord; for the wicked tremble and shake at the mention of that judgment.
WE are doubt lesse to wish for the day of judgment, because it is an undoubted signe and token of that difference whereby the elect are discerned from the reprobate; which declaration the godly do earnestly desire. Moreover, it shall be a delivery out of those miseries in which wee are:1 O wretched man that I am, who shall deliver me from the body of this death? 2The Spirit and the Bride say, Come Lord Jesu: which they say not, who are not ready to receive the Lord; for the wicked tremble and shake at the mention of that judgment.
1What is the meaning then of this Article, I believe in Christ, which shall come to judge the quick and the dead? Ans. I believe, 1. That Christ shall certainly come, and that at his second coming there shall follow a renewing of heaven and earth. 2. That the self-same Christ shall come, who for us was born▪ suffered, and rose again. 3. That he shall come visibly and gloriously to deliver his Church, whereof I am a member. 4. That he shall come to abject and cast away the wicked into everlasting pains.2 By these we receive great and sound comfort also and consolation: For seeing there shall be a renovation or renewing of heaven and earth, we have a confidence and trust, that our state also shall be at length other, and better then now it is: seeing Christ shall come, we shall have a favourable Judge; for he shall come to judge, who hath merited righteousness for us, who is our Brother, Redeemer, Patron, and Defender: seeing he shall come gloriously, he shall also give a just sentence and judgement, and shall be mighty enough to deliver us: seeing he shall come to deliver his Church, great cause why we should cheerfully expect him: seeing ⟨p. 335⟩he shall abject and cast away the wicked into everlasting torments, let us suffer patiently their tyranny. To conclude; seeing he shall deliver the godly, and cast away the wicked, he will also deliver, not cast away us; and therefore it is necessary that we repent, and be thankful in this life, and fly fleshly security, that we may be in the number of them whom he shall deliver.
1What is the meaning then of this Article, I beleeve in Christ, which shall come to judge the quick and the dead? Ans. I beleeve, 1. That Christ shal certainly come, and that at his second coming there shall follow a renewing of heaven and earth. 2. That the self-same Christ shall come, who for us was born▪ suffered, and rose againe. 3. That he shall come visibly and gloriously to deliver his Church, whereof I am a member. 4. That he shall come to abject and cast away the wicked into everlasting pains.2
Ans. First, that he is true and co-eternal God with the eternal Father and the Sona: Secondly, that he is also given to meb, to make me through a true faith partaker of Christ and all his benefitsc, to comfort med, and to abide with me forevere.
Ans. First, that he is true and co-eternall God with the eternall Father and the Sona: Secondly, that he is also given to meeb, to make mee through a true faith partaker of Christ and all his benefitsc, to comfort med, and to abide with me forevere.
IN this last part of the Apostolic confession are contained six Articles; whereof the first speaketh of the person of the holy Ghost: the next of the Church, which is gathered, confirmed, and preserved by the holy Ghost: the four Articles following are of the benefits bestowed by the holy Ghost on the Church, and of the communion of Saints: 2. of remission of sins: 3. of the resurrection of the flesh: 4. of everlasting life. Touching the holy Ghost, three things are especially to be considered; his person, his office, his gifts and works. But for more full and ample explication hereof, these Questions following are each in their order to be examined.
IN this last part of the Apostolick confession are contained six Articles; whereof the first speaketh of the person of the holy Ghost: the next of the Church, which is gathered, confirmed, and preserved by the holy Ghost: the foure Articles following are of the benefits bestowed by the holy Ghost on the Church, and of the communion of Saints: 2. of remission of sins: 3. of the resurrection of the flesh: 4. of everlasting life. Touching the holy Ghost, three things are especially to be considered; his person, his office, his gifts and works. But for more full and ample explication hereof, these Questions following are each in their order to be examined.
1. What the name *Spirit signifieth. 2. Who, and what the holy Ghost or Spirit is. 3. What is the holy Ghosts office. 4. What, and of how many sorts his gifts are. 5. Of whom the holy Ghost is given, and wherefore. 6. To whom, and how far forth he is given. 7. When, and how he is given and received. 8. How he is retained and kept. 9. Whether he may be lost, and how. 10. Wherefore he is necessary. 11. How we may know that he dwelleth is us.
1. What the name *Spirit signifieth. 2. Who, and what the holy Ghost or Spirit is. 3. What is the holy Ghosts office. 4. What, and of how many sorts his gifts are. 5. Of whom the holy Ghost is given, and wherefore. 6. To whom, and how far forth he is given. 7. When, and how hee is given and received. 8. How he is retained and kept. 9. Whether he may be lost, and how. 10. Wherefore hee is necessary. 11. How wee may know that hee dwelleth is us.
