A17662:1029
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 Lord hath also an other end of afflicting his, to try their patience, and instruct us to obedience. Not that they can use any obedience toward him, other than the same that he giveth them: but so it pleaseth him by open examples to make approved by witnesses, and to set forth the graces that he hath bestowed upon his holy ones, that they should not lie idly hid within them. And therefore in bringing forth into open show the strength of suffrance and constancy, wherewith he hath furnished his servants, it is said that he trieth their patience. And from hence came these sayings: that God tempted Abraham, and had proof of his godliness,1 by this that he refused not to offer up in sacrifice his own and only son. Therefore Peter teacheth, that our faith is so proved in troubles,2 as gold is tried in a furnace: And who can say that it is not expedient, that the most noble gift of patience, which a faithful man hath received of his God, should ⟨p. 165⟩be brought forth into use, that it may be made certainly known and manifest? For otherwise men will not esteem it as it is worthy. Now if God himself doth rightfully when he ministereth matter to stir up the virtues that he hath given to his faithful, that they should not lie hidden, yea lye unprofitable and perish: then is there good reason of the afflictions of the holy ones, without which there patience should be nothing. I say also that by the cross they are instructed to obedience, because they are so taught to live not after their own wish, but after the will of God. Truly if all things should flow unto them after their own mind, they would not know what it were to follow God.3 And Seneca rehearseth that this was an old Proverb, when they exhorted any man to suffer adversities, Follow God. By which they declared, that then only men truly entered under the yoke of God, when he yielded his hand and back to Gods correction. Now if it be most righteous, that we should show our selves in all things obedient to the heavenly father, then we ought not to refuse, that he should by all means accustom us to yield obedience unto him.