A64611:2310
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
Title page: Internet Archive scan of the Early English Books microfilm
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.
This sixth Question ariseth out of the fifth, as the fourth did out of the third. For when men hear that we receive rewards of God by our works, they presently conclude, that we merit somewhat by them. Wherefore we are to know, that good works indeed are necessary, and therefore are to be done also for the rewards ensuing them;1 but yet that they merit nothing, no not the least of Gods gifts, either corporal or spiritual. The reasons hereof are most true and evident: §12Our works are imperfect, as well in parts, as in degrees of accomplishment. In parts; because we omit many things which the Law prescribeth: and do many evil things which it prohibiteth, and always mingle evil with good, as both Scripture and experience testifieth. The flesh lusteth against the spirit, and the spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary one to the other, so that ye do not the same things that ye would. Now, imperfect works not only merit nothing, but are also condemned in the judgement of God: Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things, &c. They are imperfect in degrees; 3because the best works of the Saints are unclean, and defiled in Gods sight, seeing they are not done by such as are perfectly regenerate, nor with so great love of God and our neighbour, as the Law requireth. The Prophet saith, even of good works,4 We have all been as an unclean thing, and all our righteousness is as filthy clouts. 5Paul Pronounceth as much of his: I think all things but loss, for the excellent knowledge sake of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have counted all things loss, and do judge them to be dung, that I might win Christ. Thus do the Saints judge and account of their own righteousness and merit. §26If we do any good works, they are not ours, but are belonging to God only, who worketh them in us by his Spirit; It is God which worketh in you both the will and the deed, even of his good pleasure. What hast thou which thou hast not received? We are evil trees: if then we do any good, that must needs come from God only. It is God which freely maketh us good trees, and which worketh good fruits in us: as it is said; We are his workmanship,