A17662:1049
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 tenth Chapter. ¶Howe we ought to use this present life, and the helps thereof.
The tenth Chapter. ¶Howe we ought to vse this present lyfe, and the helpes thereof.
BY such introductions the Scripture doth also well inform §1us what is the right use of earthly benefits: which is a thing not to be neglected in framing an order of life. For if we must live, we must also use the necessary helps of life: neither can we eschew even those things that seem rather to serve for delight than for necessity. Therefore we must keep a measure, that we may use them with a pure conscience, either for necessity or for delight. That measure the Lord appointeth by his word, when he teacheth that this life is to them that be his, a certain journey through a strange country, by which they travail toward the kingdom of heaven. If we must but pass through the earth, doubtless we ought so far to use the good things of the earth, as they may rather further than hinder our journey. Therefore Paul doth not unprofitably counsel us so to use this world, as though we used it not: and to bye possessions with such a mind as they use to be sold. But because this place is slippery, and so slope on both sides, that it quickly maketh us to fall, let us labour to fasten our foot there, where we may stand safely. For there have been some, that otherwise were good and holy men, which when they same intemperance and riot continually to range with unbridled lust, unless it be sharply restrained, & were desirous to correct so great a mischief, they could find none other way, but suffered man to use the benefits of the earth, so far as necessity required. This was in deed a Godly counsel, but they wit to severe. For (which is a very perilous thing) they did put straighter bonds upon consciences, than those wherewith they were bound by the word of God. And they expound necessity, to abstain from all things which a man may be without. And so by their opinion, a man might scarcely take any more food than bread & water. And some be yet more severe: as it is red of Crates the Theban, that did throw his goods into the sea, because if they were not destroyed, he thought that he should be destroyed by them.