A17662:1105
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.
This is the truth. The exercised consciences perceive this to be §4the only sanctuary of safety, wherein they may safely rest themselves when they have to do with the judgement of God. For if the Stars that seemed most bright in the night season, do loose their brightness with sight of the sun, what think we shall become even of the rarest innocency of man, when it shall be compared with the pureness of God? For that shall be a most severe examination, that shall pierce into the most hidden thoughts of the heart,1 and (as Paul saith) shall reveal the secretes of darknesses, and disclose the hidden things of the heart, which shall compel the lurking and unwilling conscience to utter all things that now are fallen out of remembrance. The Devil our accuser will press us, which is privy to all the wicked deeds that he hath moved us to do. There the outward pompous shows of good works which now only are esteemed, shall nothing profit us. Only the pureness of will shall be required. Wherefore the Hypocrisy, not only whereby every man knowing himself guilty before God desireth to boast himself before men, but also wherewith every man deceiveth himself before God (as we be all inclined to stroke & flatter our selves) shall fall down confounded, howsoever it now be proud with more than drō ken •oldnesse. They that bend not their wit to such a sight, may in deed for a short time sweetly & pleasantly frame a righteousness to themselves, but it is such a righteousness as shall be by & by shaken away from them at the judgement of God: like as great richesse heaped up in a dream do vanish away from men when they awake. But they that shall earnestly as it were in the sight of God, enquire of the true rule of ⟨image 262⟩righteousness, shall certainly find that all the works of men, if they be judged by their own worthiness, are nothing but defilings & filthiness: that y• which among the common people is accounted righteousness, is before God mere wickedness: that that which is judged purity, is uncleanness: that that which is reckoned glory, is but shame.
This is the truthe. The exercised consciences perceyue this to be §4