A17651:15
An epistle both of Godly consolation and also of advertisement writtenAn epistle both of Godly consolacion and also of aduertisement written
An epistle both of Godly consolation and also of advertisement written by John Calvin the pastor & preacher of Geneva, to the right noble prince Edward Duke of Somerset, before the time or knowledge had of his trouble, but delivered to the said Duke, in the time of his trouble, and so translated out of French by the same Duke.An epistle both of Godly consolacion and also of aduertisement written by Iohn Caluine the pastour & preacher of Geneua, to the right noble prince Edvvarde Duke of Somerset, before the tyme or knoweledge had of his trouble, but delyuered to the sayde Duke, in the time of his trouble, and so translated out of frenshe by the same Duke.
London: printed by W. Baldwin?, 1550
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.
Now in feeling such blows, we ought to regard the hand of him that striketh us, and we ought also to think wherefore.1 The cause which moveth him to make ⟨image 13⟩us so to feel his scourge, is not very dark or hard to understand. We know that his word, by the which he will keep us in health, is an inestimable treasure, and in what manner of recompense is it received of us. Wherefore then, seeing we esteem not much that, which is so precious to speak of: it is reason that he take vengeance of our ingratitude. We also hear that Jesus Christ said, that the servant knowing the will of his master and doing it not, is worthy of double chastisement, for because that we be so slothful to obey the will of our God, which hath been declared unto us, more ⟨image 13⟩than an hundred times heretofore, we ought not to think it strange, if he be more sharply angry with us, seeing that we be more inexcusable. When we cause not the good seed to increase and profit: it is reason that the thistles and thorns of Satan groweth to prick and torment us. Because that we give not to our creator the obedience that is due unto him: it is no marvel that men arise against us. As I understand (my lord) you have had two kinds of mutinies, which be risen against the king & the state of the Realm.2 The one be fantastical men, which under the colour of the gospel, would put ⟨image 14⟩all to confusion. The other be obstinate people in the Superstitions of the Antichrist of Rome. Altogether deserveth well to be punished by the sword, that is committed unto you. Seeing that they quarrel, not only against the king, but also against God, which hath placed him in the seat Royal, and hath committed unto you, the protection, aswell of his person, as of his majesty, and regal estate.3 But the principal mean is, to do as much as is possible, to cause that they which savour the doctrine of the gospel (to the intent to stick and cleave unto it) should receive it with such ⟨image 14⟩