A17662:1101
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.
who shall dwell with a devouring f•er? saith the Prophet. Who shall abide with continual burnings? he that walketh in righteousnesses & speaketh truth, &c. But let such a one come forth, what so ever he be. But that answer maketh, that none cometh forth. For this terrible saying soundeth, to the contrary: Lord if thou mark iniquities,1 Lord, who shall abide it? truly all must needs immediately perish, as it is written in an other place: Shall man be justified if he be compared with God, or shall he be purer than his maker? Behold they that serve him are not faithful, and he hath found perverseness in his Angels. How much more shall they that dwell in houses of ••aye, & that have an earthly foundation, be consumed with moths? th•y shall be cut down from the morning to the evening.2 Behold among his Saints there is none faithful, and the heavens are not ••ane in his sight: how much more is man abominable and unprofitable, which drinketh iniquity as water? I grant in deed that in the book of Job, is mention made of a righteousness that is higher than the keeping of the law. And it is good to understand this distinction: because although a man did satisfy the law, yet he could not so stand to the trial of that righteousness that passeth all senses. Therefore although Job be clear in his own conscience, yet he is amazed, and not able to speak, because he seeth that very angelic holiness can not appease God, if he exactly weigh their works. But I therefore will at this time overpass that righteousness which I have spoken of, because it is incomprehensible: but only this I say, that if our life be examined by the rule of the written law, we are more than senseless if so many curses wherewith the Lord hath willed us to be awaked do not torment us with horrible fear, and among other this general curse,3 Cursed is every one that doth not abide in all the things that are written in this book. Finally all this discourse shall be but unsavoury and cold, unless every man yield himself guilty before the heavenly judge, and willingly throw down and abase himself, being careful how he may be acquitted.