A17662:1141
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.
It is in deed not very hard for these idle Rabbins to dispute under the shadow in a soft chair: but when the sovereign judge shall sit in his judgement seat, such windy decrees shall of necessity vanish away. This, this was to be sought what affiance of defence we may bring to his judgement seat, not what we may talk of in schools and corners.
It is in dede not very hard for these idle Rabbines to dispute vnder the shadowe in a soft chaire: but when the soueraigne iudge shal sit in his iudgement seate, suche windy decrees shall of necessitie vanishe away. This, this was to be sought what affiāce of defense we may bring to his iudgemēt seate, not what we may talke of in scholes and corners.
In this behalf there are chiefly two pestilences to be driven out of §16our minds: that we put no affiance in the righteousness of works. And that we ascribe no part of glory to them. The Scriptures do every where thrust us from all manner of affiance, when they teach that our righteousnesses do stink in the sight of God, unless they receive a good savour from the innocence of Christ, & that they can do nothing but provoke the vengeance of God, unless they be sustained by the tenderness of his mercy. Moreover they so leave nothing to us, but that we should trave the mercy of our judge with that confession of David,1 that none shall be justified before him, if he require account of his servants. But where Job saith:2 If I have done wickedly, woe to me: but if I do righteously, yet I will not so lift up my head: though he mean of that most hie righteousness of God, whereunto the very Angels answer not: yet he therewithal showeth that when they come to the judgement of God, ⟨image 270⟩there remaineth nothing for all mortal men, but to hold their peace as dumb. For it tendeth not only to this purpose that he had rather willingly yield than dangerously strive with the rigorousness of God: but he meaneth that he felt no other righteousness in him self, than such as at the first moment should fall before the sight of God. When affiance is driven away, all glorying must also necessarily depart. For who can give the praise of righteousness to these works, the affiance whereof trembleth before the sight of God?