A17662:1075
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.
Through Christ (sayeth Peter) are given us the precious and most great promises, that we should be made partakers of the nature of God: As though we were now such as the Gospel promised that we shall be at the last coming of Christ: yea John telleth us,1 that we shall then see God as he is, because we shall be like unto him. Only I thought good to give a small taste to the readers, that I do of purpose pass over these trifles: not for that it is hard to confute them, but because I will not be tedious in a superfluous work.
Through Christ (sayeth Peter) are geuen vs the precious and moste great promyses, that we shoulde be made partakers of the nature of God: As though we weare nowe suche as the Gospell promysed that we shalbe at the last comming of Christe: yea Iohn telleth vs,1 that we shall then see God as he is, because we shalbe lyke vnto hym. Only I thought good to geue a small taste to the readers, that I doe of purpose passe ouer these trifles: not for that it is harde to confute them, but because I wyll not be tedious in a superfluous worke.
- 1i. Ihō. iii.i.i. Ihō. iii.i.
But in the second point lurketh more poison, where he teacheth §11that we are righteous together with God. I think I have already sufficiently proved, that although this doctrine were not so pestilent, yet because it is cold and fruitless, and of it self so vain that it melteth away, it ought worthily to be unsavoury to sound and godly Readers. But this is an intolerable wickedness, under pretence of double righteousness, to enfeeble the earnest assurance of salvation, and to carry us above the clouds, that we should not embrace by faith the grace of propitiation, & call upon God with quiet minds. Osiander scorneth them, that teach that this word Justifying is a law term: because, we must be righteous in deed. And he abhorreth nothing more than to say, that we be justified by free imputation. But, if God do not justify us by acquitting and pardoning,