A17662:1033
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.
Sith therefore the Scripture doth with these and like admonitions §8give sufficient comfort for the shames or calamities, that we suffer for defence of righteousness, we are to much unthankful if we do not gladly and cheerfully receive them at the Lords hand: specially sith this is the kind of cross, most properly belonging to the faithful,1 whereby Christ will be glorified in us. As also Peter teacheth. But it is more grievous to gentle natures to suffer shame than a hundred deaths:2 therefore Paul expressly admonisheth that we shall not only suffer persecutions, but also reproaches, because we trust in the living God. As in an other place he teacheth us after his example to walk through slander and good report.3 Yet there is not required of us such a cheerfulness as may take away all feeling of bitterness and sorrow, or else the patience of the holy ones in the cross were no patience, unless they should be both tormented with sorrow & vexed with grief. If there were no hardiness in poverty, no pain in sickness, no grief in shame, no horror in death, what valiantness or temperance were it to bear them indifferently? But when every one of these doth with the natural bitterness thereof bite the hearts of us all, herein doth the valiantness of a faithful man show it self, if being assayed with the feeling of such bitterness, how grievously so ever he be troubled with it, yet with valiantly resisting he overcometh it, his patience uttereth it self herein, if being sharply provoked, he is yet so bridled with the fear of God, that he bursteth not out into any distemper. His cheerfulness appeareth herein, if being wounded with sadness and sorrow, he resteth upon the spiritual comfort of God.
Sithe therefore the Scripture doth with these and like admonitions §8geue sufficient comfort for the shames or calamities, that we suffer for defense of righteousnesse, we are to muche vnthankefull yf we doe not gladly and cherefully receyue them at the Lordes hande: specially sithe this is the kinde of crosse, moste properly belongyng to the faythfull,