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.

The fourth Diuision of sinne.

THere is sinne pardonable, and sinne vnpardonable.* 1.1 Al sin is pardonable, whereof men repent and obtain pardon. Vnpardonable is a purposed deniall and oppugning of the knowen truth of God and his wil and workes, of which the conscience is conuicted, whereof no man obtaineth par∣don: because it is punished of God with a perpetual forsa∣king, and blindnes,* 1.2 so that they who so sinne neuer returne to God by true repentance. Now they who are excluded from repentance are also necessarily excluded from remis∣sion of sinne. Christ Mat. 12. calleth this kind of sinne, The sin or blasphemy against the holy Ghost, when he saith: Wherefore I saie vnto you, euerie sinne and blasphemie shall bee

forgiuen vnto men:* 1.3 but the blasphemie against the holie Ghost shal not be forgiuen vnto men. But it is not therefore called the sinne against the holie Ghost, as if the holy Ghost might be offended by any man, and not the father also & the Son: but because the reuealing of the heauēly truth is the work of the diuinity, which is immediatly wrought by the holy ghost. And therefore they who witting & willing resist this, are blasphemous indeede against al the persons of the Godhead, but in a more singular and special maner, against the holy ghost, that is against his proper & imme∣diate operatiō & working in their minds. That this kind of sin is signified by this name, it hereby appeareth, for that none can after a peculiar maner sin against the holy ghost, but they on whom he hath bestowed a peculiar & proper benefit, that is, a benefit immediatly giuē by himself, & ap∣pertaining to his sanctifieng or office, which he exerciseth in the Church, which is the very light of truth kindled in their minds. The same appeareth by the speech of Christ: & Marke, 3. plainly declareth (whē he saith, For they said he had an vncleane spirite) that Christ did attribute this sinne vnto them, who being conuicted as cōcerning the doctrin of Christ, and his diuine works, yet notwithstanding did a∣gainst their conscience ascribe these thinges to the diuel. The same is shewed by other places, where this sin is des∣cribed. As Heb. 6. For it is impossible that they which were once lightned, and haue tasted of the heauenlie gift: and were made partakers of the holie Ghost &c. if they fall awaie, should be re∣nued againe by repentaunce. And 2. Pet. 2. If they, after they haue escaped the filthinesse of the woorlde, thorough the know∣ledge of the Lorde, and of the Sauiour Iesus Christ, are yet tangled againe therein, & ouercome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning.* 1.4 Out of which sayings first we vnderstand, that not al the reprobate, who perish, not obtaining remission of their sinnes, doe sinne against the holie Ghost: but that this sinne falleth only on them, who are lightned by the holy Ghost with certaine knowledge of the truth: that which hapneth not to al the reprobate, although so much neuerthelesse is re∣uealed to al of them concerning God, as may suffice for the iust condemning of them and their posterity. For the holy ghost is not giuen but to them, who are endued with

the knowledge of the heauenly doctrine, as it is said, Iohn 14. whom the world cannot receiue, because it seeth him not, nei∣ther knoweth him. Likewise, Luk. 12. The seruaunt that knoweth the wil of his master. Wherefore some perish, vnto whom the holy Ghost hath not giuen this light of truth, and there∣fore they doe not commit this peculiar sinne against the holy Ghost.

If it be obiected,* 1.5 That euerie vnpardonable sinne is a sinne against the holie ghost, because Christ saith that the sinne against the holie ghost is vnpardonable: But final perseuerance in whatso∣euer sinne without repentance, is remitted to no man. And there∣fore it is a sinne against the holie ghost: and by a consequent, all that perish sinne against the holie ghost. The ambiguity of vn∣pardonable sinne maketh four termes in this Syllogisme. For in the Maior it signifieth that kind of sinne, which is neuer remitted to any: because whosoeuer commit it, whe∣ther at the end, or before the end of their life, they perse∣uere in it euen to the end without repentance: But in the Minor it signifieth not a certaine kind of sinne but al their sinnes who repent not: which indeede are not remitted to them, because they perseuere in them to the end without repentance, and they are vnpardonable not before the end, but in the very end of their life: yet are they re∣mitted to others who perseuere not in them, but repent. For perseuerance in sinnes is nothing else, than the sinnes themselues, which are continued vnto the end, & therfore this is the meaning of the Minor: Sinnes, in which men perseuere without repentaunce vnto the end, are not par∣doned them who perseuere in them. But now all men doe not perseuere in them, as they perseuere in the sin against the holy Ghost, euen whosoeuer once fal into it. And christ in this speech sheweth not, for what sins men are punished with euerlasting death. For it is certaine that it befalleth for all sins, of which men repent not: but he sheweth, what sins are such, as whosoeuer doe commit them, they do ne∣uer repent. This he affirmeth of no kind of sin, but only of blasphemy against the holy Ghost.

Secondly, out of the testimony alleadged we gather that the sinne against the holy Ghost, is not euery Raigning-sinne,* 1.6 whether committed against our conscience, or against the knowen

truth: but a sinne against the whole first table of the Law, and not one onely part of it, but a defection from al religion, or godlinesse: and such a denying, or oppugning, or contumelious handling of the true doctrine of God and his will, as proceedeth not of weaknes or terrour, or fear, or torment, but of a purposed and stubburn ma∣liciousnes. For the obedience of the first table is, after a man hath once tasted of the word of God, reuerentlie to obey and sub∣scribe vnto it. Neither depart they from a part of doctrine, but from all religion, who so fall, that they crucifie againe to themselues the sonne of God, and treade him vnder foote, & count the bloode of the testament as a profane thing, and despite the spirit of grace. Neither doe the Iewes sin of weaknes, in ascribing the works of Christ to the diuel, or hereticall men, after they are once conuicted of their errours by certaine and manifest testimonies of the woord of God: neither they, who vnder the name and shew of Christ remaine stil dogs & swine returning at length to their vomit & wallowing in the mire, from which for a while in outward profession and hypocrisie they abstained. And hereby may be esteemed and iudged in some sort the grieuousnes of this sin, whereas it commeth nearest to the sin of the diuels, who knowing the truth, yet stood not in it, but doe despite it with hatred and hor∣rible fury, and endeuour vtterly to oppresse it.

* 1.7Thirdly, hereof also it followeth that the elect and those who are truly conuerted can neuer fal into this sinne against the holy ghost: & that they who commit it were neuer possessed of true faith and repentance. For al those who are chosen of God to euerlasting life, are conuerted in this life: and al they who are truly conuerted ought certainely to think that they are in the number of the elect, and therefore shall neuer so sin, as withal to perish: according to those sayings, Iohn 10. My sheepe shal neuer perish, neither shall any plucke them out of my hande. Luke 22. I haue praied for thee that thy faith faile not. 2. Timoth. 2. The foundation of God stan∣deth sure, & hath this Seale, The Lord knoweth who are his.

* 1.8That many of the reprobate are saide to bee lightened and to bee made partakers of the holy Ghost, to haue tasted of the heauenly gift, the good word of God, and of the powers of the world to come, and last of al to haue bin sanctified with the blood of the Testament: likewise in Peter, to haue escaped from the filthines

of the woorld: the Apostles themselues shew that this is to be vnderstood of the knowledge of the truth, and the foregoing and detestation of errors and vices for a season, and lastly of the sufficiency of Christ merits euen for the wiping away of their sins also, and the offer thereof made vnto them by his word and Sacraments: which they shew, when they interpret that lightning & tast to be the knowlege of the truth & righteousnes, & cal thē dogs & swine,* 1.9 not made so againe, but returning to their vomit and wallowing in the mire, and further compare them to the earth drinking in the raine, but bringing forth insteed of good herbs thornes and briars. For these things agree not to true faith and conuersion.

Fourthly, by these things which haue bin said,* 1.10 it appea∣reth that we are not rashly to pronounce who they bee that sin a∣gainst the holy ghost: and that we may not iudge of this sin vntill the end, that is, vntil we know them, who once had the truth & confessed themselues to be conuicted and perswaded of it, with hatred thereof to persecute & reproch it, or to end their life in hatred & despite against it. The reason hereof is manifest, because we are not the beholders of mens harts.

If it be obiected, that, 1. Iohn 5. it is said, There is a sin vn∣to death: I saie not that thou shouldest praie for it: If hee wil not that we shal praie for those who sinne to death: it must needes bee that wee maie discerne them from others. Wee aunswere, that Iohn doth not vniuersally forbidde, that wee praie for anie so sinning; but at such time, as that is manifest vnto vs either by some diuine testimony, or by manifest argumēts and the sinners owne profession. But before this is certain & manifest vnto vs, we ought to desire of god the conuersi∣on of al men, & as much as in vs lieth, to endeuor it, as it is said, 1. Tim. 2. I exhort that first of al supplications, praiers, inter∣cessions and giuing of thanks be made for al men. And 2. Tim. 2 The seruant of the Lord must not striue, but must be gentle toward al men, apt to teach, suffering the euil men patiently, instructing them with meeknes, that are contrarie minded, prouing if God at any time wil giue them repentance that they may know the truth, and that beeing deliuered out of the snare of the diuell, of whome they are taken, they maie come to amendment and perfourme his will. And Matth. 5. Praie for them which hurt you, and persecute you. And Actes 7. Lorde, laie not this sinne to their

charge.* 1.11 If it be replied, that so it will come to passe that our praier shall be contrarie to the will of God, if not knowing of it we praie for them who sin against the holie Ghost: the aunswere is ready: That praier is made for them, with a condition, by which we submit our wil & desires to the counsail of God, that he will conuert and saue the aduersaries of the truth, if they maie be recouered: but that he will represse them and punish them, if he haue not appointed to recouer them.

* 1.12By the same answere is this argument dissolued, Their sinne is not vnpardonable, for whom wee must praie: But wee must praie for all men: Therefore no mans sinne is vnpardonable. First wee denie the Minor: because if it appeareth by a∣nie diuine testimonie, or by manifest argumentes and their owne profession that they are castawaies, whether they sinne against the holy Ghost, or otherwise do not re∣pent; we must not pray for them. Secondly neither is the Maior true. For if we know not, whether they sin against the holy Ghost, or are reiected of God or no, we must pray for them, but with that condition, if they may bee reco∣uered.

Out of these thinges also which haue been spoken, an∣swere is made to this obiection. He that must fear lest he hath anie vnpardonable sinne,* 1.13 can neuer bee assured of remission of his sins and of life euerlasting: But if there be anie sin vnpardonable, which is committed before the ende of a mans life, no man can be assured, that he hath not, or shall not haue such sinne: There∣fore either there is no such sinne, or no man can bee assured of the grace of God, and his owne saluation. For the Minor of this reason is false, cōcerning those who beleeue. For they must certainely think, that they neither had, nor haue the sinne against the holy Ghost; because there is no condem∣nation to them, who are in Christ: neither that they shall haue this sinne, because no man can plucke the sheepe of Christ out of his hand.

* 1.141 Obiection. Adam and Peter obtained remission of sins: Adam and Peter sinned against the holy Ghost, because they de∣nied the manifest and known truth of God: Therefore some men sinning against the holy Ghost obtaine remission of sins. Aun∣swere. The proofe of the minor is a false definition: For

not euery deniall or reiection of the truth is sinne against the holy Ghost, but that onely, which hath accompa∣nying it an inwarde hatred of the trueth, and which of a purposed intent and with horrible furie endeuou∣reth to oppresse it: which hatred of trueth was not in Adam or Peter. Augustine therefore saith: Faith fai∣led not Peter in his heart, when confession failed him in his mouth.

2 Obiection. The sin of Cain was not vnpardonable.* 1.15 Because God would not haue him killed: therefore he pardoned him his sin. But Cains sinne was committed against the holy ghost: Therefore some sinne against the holie Ghost is not vnpardonable. Aun∣swere. In the proofe of the Maior is a fallacie, putting that which is no cause as if it were a cause. For the cause why God woulde not haue him killed, was not, for that hee had pardoned Cain his sinne, not repenting himselfe of it, but that the murderer might be the longer tormented with the furies of his conscience, that in so long time not repenting, he might bee made inexcusable; and furder also, that murders might not waxe rife among men.

3 Obiection. They who are altogether ignorant of Christ,* 1.16 sinne not against the holy Ghost. But al that know not Christ haue vnpardonable sinne: because it is neuer pardoned them. Therefore some vnpardonable sin, is not against the holy Ghost. Aunswere. We grant the whole reason, if in the Minor and conclusion thereof bee vnderstoode, by vnpardonable sinne, those sinnes of the vnregenerate, which are not indeed remitted vnto them, for that they persist in those sinnes to the end without repentance: yet to others they are remitted, who persist not in them, but repent of them in this life. For not al who commit them, persist in them. But if that kind of sinne be vnderstoode, it is neuer remitted to any man, be∣cause al they who commit it persist in it to the end of their life without repentance: then is the Minor false. And so it there no consequence in this reason.

The sin against the holie Ghost, and sin against the conscience differ, as a general frō a particular. Sin against the conscience, is the general. For a man may also through infirmity & ig∣norance denie the trueth, not through a hatred of it: as

Peter and Paul did. So that then the sinne against the holy Ghost is a sinne against the conscience: but euerie sinne against the conscience is not a sinne against the holie Ghost. And therefore this is more general; the other more particular.

* 1.17The sinne against the holy Ghost, is said to be vnpardonable, not that it exceedeth, or surmounteth the greatnes of the merit of Christ; but because hee is punished with a finall blindnesse, who committeth it, neither is it at any time granted him, to repent. Because it is a speciall and singu∣lar kinde of sinne, therefore hath it a singular punishment, that such sinners should not at all repent. And without repentaunce there is graunted no remission of sinnes.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Al sinne repen∣ted of is pardo∣nable.
• * 1.2

  They are shut from pardon, who are shut from repen∣tance.
• * 1.3

  They are shut from repen∣tance who sinne against the holie Ghost.

  Why it is called in special a sinne against the holie Ghost.
• * 1.4

  Who sinne a∣gainst the holie Ghost.
• * 1.5

  The difference between other sinnes not par∣doned, and this sin against the holie Ghost.
• * 1.6

  The peculiar nature of the sin against the holy Ghost making it differ from al o∣ther Raigning sinne.
• * 1.7

  The elect can neuer fal into this sin against the holy Ghost.
• * 1.8

  How many of the reprobate are said in scrip∣ture to be light∣ned & sanctified.
• * 1.9

  2. Pet 2. Heb. 6 7.
• * 1.10

  We are not rashlie to pro∣nounce anie man a sinner a∣gainst the holie Ghost, vntil wee see him giue vp the Ghost in A∣postacie and blasphemy.
• * 1.11

  Our praier for the aduersaries of the trueth must be condi∣tionall, with sub∣mission to Gods will.
• * 1.12

  Our praier for them being but conditional, it argueth not but that their sinne maie be not∣withstanding vnpardonable.
• * 1.13

  The fear of vn∣pardonable sin belongeth to the wicked, not to the faithful.
• * 1.14

  Adam and Peter sinned not a∣gainst the holie Ghost.
• * 1.15

  God sparing Cains life doth not therby shew his pardoning of his sinne, but a further reuen∣ging of it.
• * 1.16

  Euerie sinne of the vnregene∣rate vnpardona∣ble, because not repented of, which to others through repen∣tance are pardo∣ned.
• * 1.17

  The difference betweene the sinne against the holy Ghost, and sinne against the conscience.