A64611:23
The sum of Christian religion, delivered by Zacharias Ursinus first, by way of catechism,…The summe of Christian religion, delivered by Zacharias Ursinus first, by way of catechism,…
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.
Whereas, by the advice of them that have the charge of your studies, I was appointed to publish an abridgement of those heads of Christian religion, as were of you to be learned: I seriously acknowledge and confess such a business was required of me, as to which nothing can be less answerable than are my defects: For, this is a doctrine which (I say) not only is still unknown to the wiseest, and most sharp-witted of men,1 unless they be taught by the voice of the Church, and efficacy of the Spirit; but also in a great part was unknown to the Angels themselves before it was disclosed by the Son, from the secret bosom of his eternal Father. Which to unfold and praise, if men and Angels should bend all the strength of wit and eloquence,2 yet were they never able to speak of it, according to the due compass and worth of the thing. Whiles therefore I think with my self how much I might sink under this charge, I had rather it were committed to another, who, at least, might somewhat better, and more successively undergo the same: But when I well weigh the nature of mine office, I perceive I ought with all cheerfulness both to help forward your salvation, and obey God that calls me to so honourable an employment; especially he promising me assistance, with which whosoever are assisted, may despair in nothing: for God will be effectual by weak and abject means; according to that of the Psalmist, Out of the mouths of babes and sucklings hast thou ordained strength. 3The word there used, signifieth a child which beginneth to understand and speak. There are that are commonly called children, not only in regard of age, but also in regard of ability of understanding,4 or performance of any action. Infants, though such in age, are sufficient witnesses of the divine goodness and providence, being clear evidences of Gods presence, in the wonderful propagation, conservation and education of humane off-spring,5 abundantly confuting Devils, and all Atheists that deny either God to be God, or to be such a God as he hath said himself […] Our Saviour interpreteth that saying of the Psalmist, of confession.