A17662:1126
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.
By this confession we despoil man of all righteousness even to the least little piece thereof, till he be by only mercy regenerate into hope of eternal life: forasmuch as if the righteousness of works do bring any thing toward the justifying of us,1 it is falsely said that we are justified by grace. Truly the apostle had not forgotten himself, when he affirmed justification to be of free gift, which in an other place reasoneth that grace is now not grace, if works do any thing avail. And what other thing doth the lord mean, when he saith that he came not to call righteous men but sinners? If only sinners are received, why seek we an entry by feigned righteousnesses?
Bi this confessiō we dispoil mā of al righteousnes euē to ye least litle pece therof, til he be bi only merci regenerate into hope of eternal life: forasmuch as if ye righteousnes of works do brīg any thīg toward ye iustifyīg of vs,1 it is falsly said yt we ar iustified by grace. Truly thapostle had not forgottē hīself, whē he affirmed iustificatiō to be of fre gift, which in an other place resoneth yt grace is now not grace, if works do any thing auail. And what other thīg doth ye lord mean, whē he saith that he came not to cal righteous mē but sinners? If only sinners ar receaued, why seeke we an entry by fained righteousnesses?
Still this same thought hath now & then recourse to my mind, that it is §6peril least I should do wrong to the mercies of God, which do so carefully travail in proving of this thing as though it were doubtful or dark. But because our enviousness is such, as unless it be most straightly thrust out of place, it never yieldeth to God that which is his, I am compelled to tarry somewhat the longer upon it. Yet forasmuch as the scripture is clear enough in this matter, I will in fighting rather use the words thereof than mine own. Isaiah, when he hath described the universal destruction of mankind, doth immediately after very fitly adjoin the order of restoring.