A17662:1132
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.
Now let us look what righteousness they have, whom we have set §9in the fourth degree. We grant that when God by the mean of the righteousness of Christ, reconcileth us to him self, and giving us tree forgiveness of sins accounteth us for righteous, with such mercy is also conjoined this his beneficial doing, that by his holy spirit he dwelleth in us, by the power whereof the lusts of our flesh are daily more and more mortified: but we are sanctified: that is to say, hallowed to the Lord unto true pureness of life, when our hearts are framed to the obedience of the law: that this may be our chief will, to serve his will, and by an means to advance only his glory. But even while by the guiding of the holy ghost we walk in the ways of the Lord, least• yet we forgetting our selves should ware proud, there are left certain remnants of imperfection, which may minister us matter of humility▪ ⟨image 268⟩There is none righteous,1 (saith the scripture) that doth good and sinneth no•. What manner of righteousness therefore will they yet get by their works? First I say, that the best work that can be brought forth of them, is yet alway sprinkled & corrupted with some uncleanness of the flesh, & hath as it were some dregs mingled with it. I say, let a holy servant of God chose out of all his life the most excellent thing that he shall think that he hath done in the whole course thereof, & let him well consider all the parts of it, without doubt he shall find somewhere somewhat savouring of the rottenness of the flesh forasmuch as to doing well our cheerful quickness is never such as it ought to be, but in slacking our course our weakness is much. Although we see that there are evident foul blots wherewith the works of the holy are be spread, yet grant that they be nothing but most little spots: shall they nothing offend the eyes of God, before whom even the stars are not clean? Thus have we showed that there cometh not so much as one good work out of holy men, which if it be judged in it self, deserveth not just reward of shame.
Now let vs looke what righteousnesse thei haue, whom we haue set