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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.
HE delivereth us from all evils both of crime, and pain, most fully and perfectly. From the evil of crime, for so the Angel testifieth. He shall save his people from their sins. The blood of Jesus Christ cleanseth us from all sin; that is, that it may not be imputed unto us,1 and that it may not reign in us, but be abolished, and so we at length leave off to sin. Wherefore also he delivereth us from all pain, and punishment. For the cause being taken away which is sin, the effect is taken away, which is punishment.2 Now then there is no condemnation to them that are in Christ Jesus. I give unto them eternal life. This salvation then, which this our Saviour Jesus Christ bringeth us, is righteousness and life everlasting. Seventy weeks, are determined to finish the wickedness, and to seal up the sins, and to reconcile the iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness. 3He is made unto us wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption.
HE delivereth us from all evils both of crime, and paine, most fully and perfectly. From the evill of crime, for so the Angel testifieth. Hee shall save his people from their sinnes. The bloud of Jesus Christ cleanseth us from all sinne; that is, that it may not be imputed unto us,1 and that it may not raigne in us, but be abolished, and so we at length leave off to sin. Wherefore also he delivereth us from all paine, and punishment. For the cause being taken away which is sinne, the effect is taken away, which is punishment.2 Now then there is no condemnation to them that are in Christ Jesus. I give unto them eternall life. This salvation then, which this our Saviour Jesus Christ bringeth us, is righteousnesse and life everlasting. Seventy weeks, are determined to finish the wickednesse, and to seale up the sinnes, and to reconcile the inquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousnesse. 3Hee is made unto us wisedome, righteousnesse, sanctification, and redemption.
1HE saveth us after two sorts; by his merit, and by his efficacy. 1. He saveth us by his merit or satisfaction; because by his obedience, passion, death, and intercession, he hath merited for us remission of sin, reconciliation with God, the holy Ghost, salvation, and life everlasting. Testimonies hereof are these; If any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, 2Jesus Christ the just. And he is the reconciliation for our sins and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world: that is, for the sins of all sorts of men, of what soever age, place, or degree. The blood of Jesus Christ the Son of God purgeth us from all sin. 3Whom God hath set forth to be are conciliation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness by the forgiveness of sins. By the obedience of one, many shall be made righteous. He was wounded for our transgressions, 4he was broken for our iniquities; the chastisement of our peace was upon him, and with his stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray, we have turned every one to his own way, and the Lord hath laid upon us the iniquity of us all. 5He hath made him to be sin for us, which knew no sin, that we should be made the righteousness of God in him. Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, when he was made a curse for us, that the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Christ Jesus,6 that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith. God sent forth his Son made of a woman, and made under the Law (that is, made an execration or curse; For we are delivered not from the obedience, but from the curse of the Law,) that he might redeem them that were under the Law, that we might receive the adoption of the sons. 7How much more shall the blood of Christ, which through the eternal ⟨p. 223⟩
1Christ saveth us by his efficacy, power, and operation; because he not only obtaineth, by his meriting for us, remission of sins, and that life which we had lost; but also applieth effectually unto us, by virtue of his Spirit through faith, the whole benefit of our redemption. For what benefits he merited by his death, he doth not retain them unto himself, but bestoweth them on us. For salvation and life everlasting (which himself had before) he purchased, not for himself, but for us, as being our Mediator. Therefore he revealeth unto us his Fathers will, instituteth and maintaineth the ministry of his word, whereby he giveth the holy Ghost, by whom he worketh in us both faith, whereby we, applying Christs merit unto our selves, may be assured of our justification in the sight of God through the force thereof; and also conversion, or the desire and love of new obedience. So by his word and spirit he gathereth his Church, he bestoweth and heapeth on in all blessings necessary for this life, defendeth and preserveth it in this life against the force of Devils and the world, and against all corporal and spiritual assaults of all enemies, even to the end; so that not one of those which are converted, perisheth finally: at length, their bodies being raised in the last day from the dead, he fully delivers the Church from all sin and evil, advancing it unto everlasting life and glory, & casting the enemies thereof into perpetual pain and torment. To comprise the whole in a word, his efficacy by his word and spirit regenerateth us in this life,2 and preserveth or sustaineth us being regenerate, lest we fall away, & in the end raiseth us unto life eternal. Of his revealing himself unto us, and regenerating us, speak these places; No man knoweth the Son but the Father: neither knoweth any man the Father but the Son, and he to whom the Son will reveal him No man hath seen God at any time: 3the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him. 4He that cometh after me, will baptise you with the holy Ghost, and with fire. I will send unto you from the Father the Spirit of truth. When he ascended up on high he gave gifts unto men. He ascended up on high, that he might fill all things. For this purpose appeared the Son of God,
Of his raising us from death, these Scriptures make evident mention: I will raise him up in the last day. No man shall take my sheep out of mine hands. I give unto them eternal life, and they shall never perish. 1When all things shall he subdued unto him, he shall make unto himself a glorious Church in the sight of God, which he gathereth from the beginning of the world unto the end. Hereby we may understand, that the giving of the holy Ghost is a part of our salvation or delivery by Christ Jesus our Mediator. For the holy Ghost is he by who Christ effectually performeth this, which he, being our Intercessor with his Father, hath promised his Father in our behalf: that is, he teacheth us by illuminating our minds with the knowledge of God and his divine will: and regenerateth or sanctifieth, and guideth and stablisheth us, that we may begin the study of holiness, persist and profit therein, until sin be fully abolished in us; and sin being abolished, death must needs be abolished: which that he might together with death destroy, Christ was sent of his Father into the world.
Of his raising us from death, these Scriptures make evident mention: I will raise him up in the last day. No man shall take my sheep out of mine hands. I give unto them eternall life, and they shall never perish. 1When all things shall he subdued unto him, he shall make unto himselfe a glorious Church in the sight of God, which he gathereth from the beginning of the world unto the end. Hereby we may understand, that the giving of the holy Ghost is a part of our salvation or delivery by Christ Jesus our Mediatour. For the holy Ghost is he by who Christ effectually performeth this, which he, being our Intercessor with his Father, hath promised his Father in our behalfe: that is, he teacheth us by illuminating our minds with the knowledge of God and his divine will: and regenerateth or sanctifieth, and guideth and stablisheth us, that we may begin the study of holines, persist and profit therein, untill sin be fully abolished in us; and sin being abolished, death must needs be abolished: which that he might together with death destroy, Christ was sent of his Father into the world.
1Christ saveth us from all evils whether of crime or punishment, by his merit and efficacy▪ fully and most perfectly, inchoating and beginning our salvation in this life, but consummating and finishing it in the life to come. Which is proved first, In that his merit is most perfect, and that for two causes before expressed; 1. The worthiness of the person, because he that suffered it, is God: (for,2 God hath purchased the Church with his own blood. Christ through the eternal Spirit offered himself. Whence also it is that the obedience of the Son in punishment or satisfaction surpasseth the righteousness and punishment, or satisfaction of all the Angels, and is a sufficient price and merit for so many, and so great blessings.) 2. The grievousness of ⟨p. 224⟩the punishments which he sustained for us. Again, in that he in most perfect and absolute manner applieth and imparteth salvation unto us. 3Ye are complete in him, that is, ye have all things appertaining to everlasting blessedness, ye for Christs sake are become the perfect and blessed sons of God.4 For it pleased the Father, that in him should all fullness dwell. The blood of Jesus Christ the Son of God, cleanseth us from all sin, Now there is no condemnation to them that are in Christ Jesus. 5But this man, because he endureth for ever, hath an everlasting Priesthood: Wherefore he is able also perfectly to save them that come unto God by him.
1Christ saveth us from all evils whether of crime or punishment, by his merit and efficacie▪ fully and most perfectly, inchoating and beginning our salvation in this life, but consummating and finishing it in the life to come. Which is proved first, In that his merit is most perfect, and that for two causes before expressed; 1. The worthinesse of the person, because he that suffered it, is God: (for,
He saveth all and only the Elect and Believers, which have been, are, or shall be, even from the beginning, to the end of the world, and that both by his merit, and by his efficacy. For in them only, which embrace the benefit of redemption with a true faith, hath God his end, even his worship and glory. For he hath decreed to gather and reserve a Church unto himself in this life, but with this condition, that it apprehend that benefit, and be thankful for the same. God so loved the world, 1that he hath given his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, 2but have everlasting life. I pray not for these alone; but for them also which shall believe in me through their word, that they all may be one. I am the living bread which came down from heaven: 3if any man eat of this bread, he shall live forever. He hath chosen us in Christ, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love, and that we should be unto the praise of his glory.
HEe saveth all and only the Elect and Beleevers, which have been, are, or shall be, even from the beginning, to the end of the world, and that both by his merit, and by his efficacy. For in them onely, which imbrace the benefit of redemption with a true faith, hath God his end, even his worship and glory. For hee hath decreed to gather and reserve a Church unto himself in this life, but with this condition, that it apprehend that benefit, and be thankfull for the same. God so loved the world, 1that he hath given his only begotten Son, that whosoever beleeveth in him should not perish, 2but have everlasting life. I pray not for these alone; but for them also which shall beleeve in mee through their word, that they all may be one. I am the living bread which came downe from heaven: 3if any man eat of this bread, hee shall live forever. Hee hath chosen us in Christ, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love, and that wee should be unto the praise of his glory.
1The sum of all that hath been hitherto dilated and enlarged, may in brief be thus concluded: Quest. 1. Who is he that saveth us? Ans. The Son of God is our Jesus, that is to say, our Saviour. Quest. 2. Whom saveth he? Ans. His people, to wit, all and only the Elect which are given him of his Father. Quest. 3. From what evils delivereth he his Elect? Ans. From all sin, and the punishments of sin. Quest. 4. By what means? Ans. Two manner of ways: by his merit, and by his efficacy; and both these ways he most perfectly delivereth his chosen.2
1The summe of all that hath been hitherto dilated and inlarged, may in brief be thus concluded: Quest. 1. Who is he that saveth us? Ans. The Sonne of God is our Jesus, that is to say, our Saviour. Quest. 2. Whom saveth hee? Ans. His people, to wit, all and only the Elect which are given him of his Father. Quest. 3. From what evils delivereth he his Elect? Ans. From all sin, and the punishments of sin. Quest. 4. By what meanes? Ans. Two manner of waies: by his merit, and by his efficacy; and both these waies he most perfectly delivereth his chosen.2
Now then, what mean the words of this Article, I believe in Jesus? §11. I believe that there is some Saviour of mankind. §22. I believe that this person Jesus, born of the Virgin Mary, is that Saviour, of whom the Father pronounced from heaven, This is my beloved Son, 1in whom I am well pleased: Hear him: whom God will have worshipped and honoured of us. He that honoureth not the Son, the same honoureth not the Father, which hath sent him. §33. I believe that this Jesus by his merit and efficacy freeth us from all evils both of crime and penalty, beginning in us this freedom in this life, and finishing it in the life to come. §44. I believe that this Jesus is not only the Saviour of other his Elect, but my only perfect Saviour also, working in me here in this world the beginnings of salvation, and perfecting the same at length in the world to come.
Now then, what meane the words of this Article, I beleeve in Jesus? §11. I beleeve that there is some Saviour of mankind. §22. I beleeve that this person Jesus, born of the Virgin Mary, is that Saviour, of whom the Father pronounced from heaven, This is my beloved Son, 1in whom I am well pleased: Heare him: whom God will have worshipped and honored of us. He that honoreth not the Son, the same honoreth not the Father, which hath sent him. §33. I beleeve that this Jesus by his merit and efficacie freeth us from all evils both of crime and penalty, beginning in us this freedome in this life, and finishing it in the life to come. §44. I beleeve that this Jesus is not onely the Saviour of other his Elect, but my onely perfect Saviour also, working in mee here in this world the beginnings of salvation, and perfecting the same at length in the world to come.
Ans. No: For although in word they boast themselves of him as their Saviour, yet indeed they deny the only Saviour Jesus.a For it must needs be, that either Jesus is not a perfect Saviour, or that they who embrace him as their Saviour with a true faith, possess all things in him, which are required unto salvation.b
Ans. No: For although in word they boast themselves of him as their Saviour, yet indeed they deny the only Saviour Jesus.a For it must needs be, that either Jesus is not a perfect Saviour, or that they who imbrace him as their Saviour with a true faith, possesse all things in him, which are required unto salvation.b
1HE saveth us after two sorts; by his merit, and by his efficacy. 1. Hee saveth us by his merit or satisfaction; because by his obedience, passion, death, and intercession, he hath merited for us remission of sinne, reconciliation with God, the holy Ghost, salvation, and life everlasting. Testimonies hereof are these; If any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, 2Jesus Christ the just. And hee is the reconciliation for our sinnes and not for ours onely, but also for the sinnes of the whole world: that is, for the sinnes of all sorts of men, of what soever age, place, or degree. The bloud of Jesus Christ the Sonne of God purgeth us from all sinne. 3Whom God hath set forth to be are conciliation through faith in his bloud, to declare his righteousensse by the forgivenesse of sinnes. By the obedience of one, many shall be made righteous. He was wounded for our transgressions, 4he was broken for our iniquities; the chastisement of our peace was upon him, and with his stripes wee are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray, we have turned every one to his owne way, and the Lord hath laid upon us the iniquitie of us all. 5Hee hath made him to be sinne for us, which knew no sin, that we should be made the righteneousnesse of God in him. Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, when hee was made a curse for us, that the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Christ Jesus,6 that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith. God sent forth his Son made of a woman, and made under the Law (that is, made an execration or curse; For wee are delivered not from the obedience, but from the curse of the Law,) that he might redeeme them that were under the Law, that wee might receive the adoption of the sonnes. 7How much more shall the bloud of Christ, which through the eternall ⟨p. 223⟩Spirit offered himselfe without spot to God, purge your consciences from dead workes, to serve the living God? By the which will we are sanctified, even by the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once offered. By these and very many the like places of Scripture, it is manifest that for Christs merit we are not only freed from punishment, the remission of our sins being obtained: but are also reputed righteous before God, adopted of him to be his Sons, blessed, endued with the holy Ghost, sanctified, and made heires of everlasting life.
1Christ saveth us by his efficacy, power, and operation; because he not only obtaineth, by his meriting for us, remission of sins, and that life which wee had lost; but also applyeth effectually unto us, by vertue of his Spirit through faith, the whole benefit of our redemption. For what benefits he merited by his death, he doth not retain them unto himself, but bestoweth them on us. For salvation and life everlasting (which himself had before) he purchased, not for himself, but for us, as being our Mediatour. Therefore he revealeth unto us his Fathers will, instituteth and maintaineth the ministery of his word, whereby he giveth the holy Ghost, by whom he worketh in us both faith, whereby we, applying Christs merit unto our selves, may be assured of our justification in the sight of God through the force thereof; and also conversion, or the desire and love of new obedience. So by his word and spirit he gathereth his Church, he bestoweth and heapeth on in all blessings necessary for this life, defendeth and preserveth it in this life against the force of Divels and the world, and against all corporall and spirituall assaults of all enemies, even to the end; so that not one of those which are converted, perisheth finally: at length, their bodies being raised in the last day from the dead, hee fully delivers the Church from all sin and evill, advancing it unto everlasting life and glory, & casting the enemies thereof into perpetual pain and torment. To comprise the whole in a word, his efficacy by his word and spirit regenerateth us in this life,2 and preserveth or sustaineth us being regenerate, lest we fall away, & in the end raiseth us unto life eternall. Of his revealing himself unto us, and regenerating us, speak these places; No man knoweth the Son but the Father: neither knoweth any man the Father but the Son, and he to whom the Son will reveale him No man hath seen God at any time: 3the onely begotten Son, which is in the bosome of the Father, he hath declared him. 4He that cometh after mee, will baptise you with the holy Ghost, and with fire. I will send unto you from the Father the Spirit of truth. When he ascended up on high he gave gifts unto men. He ascended up on high, that he might fill all things. For this purpose appeared the Son of God, 5that he might loose the workes of the Divel.
