A17662:1015
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.
But, that we should not be weary with doing good (which otherwise must needs come quickly to pass) that other thing must be adjoined which the Apostle speaketh of,1 that charity is patient & not moved to anger. The Lord commandeth to do good to all universally, of whom a great part are most unworthy, if they be considered by their own deserving. But here the Scripture helpeth with a very good mean, when it teacheth that we must not have respect what men deserve of themselves, but that the image of God is to be considered in all men, to which we owe all honour and love. But the same is most diligently to be marked in them of the household of saith,2 in so much as it is in them renewed and restored by the Spirit of Christ. Therefore whatsoever man thou light upon, that needeth thy help, thou hast no cause to withdraw they self from doing him good. If thou say that he is a stranger: but the lord hath given him a mark, ye ought to be familiar unto thee, by the reason that ⟨p. 162⟩he forbiddeth thee to despise thine own flesh.3 If thou say that he is base & nought worth: but the lord showeth him to be such a one, to whom he hath vouchsafed to give the beauty of his image. If thou say that thou owest him nothing for any thing that he hath done for thee: but God hath set him as it were in his place, in respect of whom, thou knowest so many & so great benefits wherewith he hath bound thee unto him. If thou say that he is unworthy that thou shouldest labour any thing at all for his sake: but the image of God whereby he is commended to thee, is worthy that thou shouldest give thy self and all that thou hast unto it. But if he have not only deserved no good at thy hand, but also provoked thee with wrongs and evil doings:4 even this is no just cause why thou shouldest cease both to love him & to do for him the dutiful works of love. Thou wilt say, he hath far otherwise deserved of me. But what hath the Lord deserved? Which when he commandeth thee to forgive all wherein he hath offended thee, truly he willeth the same to be imputed to himself.