A17642:1131
The commentaries of M. John Calvin upon the Acts of the Apostles, faithfully translated…The commentaries of M. Iohn Caluin vpon the Actes of the Apostles, faithfully translated…
The commentaries of M. John Calvin upon the Acts of the Apostles, faithfully translated out of Latin into English for the great profit of our country-men, by Christopher Fetherstone student in divinityThe commentaries of M. Iohn Caluin vpon the Actes of the Apostles, faithfully translated out of Latine into English for the great profite of our countrie-men, by Christopher Fetherstone student in diuinitie
Londini: printed by Thomas Dawson, 1585
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.
But this invention ought not to have hindered Paul from retaining a true maxim, though it were corrupt with mens fables, that men are the generation of God, because by the excellency of nature they resemble some divine thing: this is that which the scripture teacheth that we are created after the Image and similitude of GOD.1 The same scripture teacheth also in many places, that we be made the sons of God by faith and free adoption, when we are ingrafted into the body of Christ, and being regenerate by the spirit, we begin to be new creatures. But as it giveth the same spirit divers names because of his manifold graces: so no marvel if the word Sons be diversly taken. All mortal men are called Sons in general, because they draw near to God in mind and understanding: but because the Image of God is almost blotted out in them, so that there appear scarce any slenderlinesse: this name is by good right restrained unto the faithful, who having the spirit of adoption given them, resemble their heavenly father in the light of reason, in righteousness and holiness.
But this inuention ought not to haue hindered Paule from retayning a true maxime, though it were corrupt with mens fables, that men are the generation of God, because by the excellencie of nature they resemble some diuine thing: this is that which the scripture teacheth that wee are created after the Image and similitude of GOD.1 The same scripture teacheth also in many places, that we be made the sonnes of God by faith and free adoption, when wee are ingrafted into the bodye of Christ, and beeyng regenerate by the spirite, wee beginne to bee newe creatures. But as it giueth the same spirite diuers names because of his manifolde graces: so no maruell if the woorde Sonnes bee diuerslie taken. All mortall menne are called Sonnes in generall, because they drawe neere to God in minde and vnderstanding: but because the Image of God is almost blotted out in them, so that there appeare scarce anie slenderlinesse: this name is by good right restrayned vnto the faithfull, who hauing the spirite of adoption giuen them, resemble their heauenly father in the light of reason, in righteousnesse and holinesse.