A17662:1053
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.
Many at this day, while they seek a pretence, whereby the intemperance of the flesh in use of outward things may be excused, and while they go about to prepare a way for the flesh raging in wantonness, do take that as a thing confessed, which I do not grant them, that this liberty is not to be restrained with any limitation of measure, but that it is to be left to every mans conscience to use as much as he seeth to be lawful for him. Truly I confess, that consciences neither ought nor can in this point be bound by certain and precise forms of laws. But for as much as the Scripture teacheth general rules of lawful use, we must surely measure the use according to these rules
Many at this daye, while they seeke a pretence, whereby the intemperance of ye fleshe in vse of outwarde thinges may be excused, and whyle they goe about to prepare a way for the flesh raging in wantonesse, do take that as a thinge confessed, whiche I do not graunte them, that this libertie is not to be restrained with any limitation of measure, but that it is to be left to euery mans conscience to vse as muche as he seeth to be lawfull for him. Truly I confesse, that consciences neither ought nor can in this point be bounde by certaine and precise formes of lawes. But for as muche as the Scripture teacheth generall rules of lawfull vse, we must surely measure the vse according to these rules
Let this be a principle: that the use of Gods gifts swerveth not out §2of the way, when it is referred to that end, whereunto the author him ⟨image 249⟩self hath created and appointed them for us, for as much as he hath created them for our good and not for our hurt. Therefore no man can keep a righter way, than he that shall diligently look unto this end. Now if we consider to what end he hath created meats, we shall find that he meant to make provision not only for necessity but also for delight & pleasure. So in apparel, beside necessity he appointed an other end, which is comeliness & honesty. In herbs, trees, and fruits, beside diverse profitable uses, there is also a pleasantness of sight, & sweetness of smell. For if this were not true, the Prophet would not reckon among the benefits of God that wine maketh glad the heart of man,