A17662:1002
The Institution of Christian Religion
The institution of Christian religion, written in Latin by master John Calvin, and translated into English according to the authors last edition. Seen and allowed according to the order appointed in the Queens majesties injunctionsThe institution of Christian religion, vvrytten in Latine by maister Ihon Caluin, and translated into Englysh according to the authors last edition. Seen and allowed according to the order appointed in the Quenes maiesties iniunctions
London: printed by Reinolde Wolfe & Richard Harison, 1561London: printed by Reinolde VVolfe & Richarde Harison, 1561
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.
The seventh Chapter. ¶The sum of a Christian life: where is •utreated of the forsaking of our selves.
The seuenth Chapter. ¶The summe of a Christian lyfe: where is •utreated of the forsaking of our selues.
Albeit that the law of the Lord have a most aptly well disposed order to frame a mans life, yet it seemed good to the heavenly schoolmaster to instruct men yet with a more exact trade to the same rule that he had set fourth in his law. And the beginning of that trade, is this: that it is the duty of the faithful to yield their bodies to God a living,1 holy and acceptable sacrifice unto him: and that therein standeth the true worshipping of him. Hereupon is gathered occasion to exhort men, that they do not apply them selves to the fashion of this world, but be transformed in renewing of their mind, that they may prove what the will of God is. Now this is a great thing, that we be consecrate and dedicate to God: that we should from thenceforth think, speak, imagine, or do nothing but to his glory. For the thing that is consecrate, can not be applied to unholy uses, without great wrong done unto him. If we be not our own, but the Lords, it appeareth what error is to be avoided, and whereunto all the doings of our life are to be directed. We are not our own: therefore let neither our own reason nor our own will bear rule in our counsels and doings. We are not our own: therefore let us not make this the end for us to tend unto, to seek that which may be expedient for us according to the flesh. We are not our own: therefore so much as we may, let us forget our selves and all things that are our own. On the other side, we are Gods: therefore let us live and dye to him. We are Gods: therefore let his wisdom and will govern all our doings. We are Gods: therefore let all the parts of our life tend toward him as their only lawful end. Oh how much hath he profited, that having learned that himself is not his own, hath taken from him self the rule and government of him self to give it to God.