A17662:1165
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.
The .xvi. Chapter. ¶A confutation of the slanders, whereby the Papists go about to bring this doctrine in hatred.
The .xvi. Chapter. ¶A confutation of the sclaunders, whereby the Papistes goe about to bryng this doctrine in hatred.
With this one word may the shamelessness of certain ungodly §1men be confuted which slander us with saying that we destroy good works, and do draw men away from the following of them, when we say that they are not justified by works, nor do deserve salvation: and again, that we make to easy away to right cousnesse, when we teach that it lieth in the free forgiveness of sins, and that we do by this enticement allure men to sin, which are of their own will to much inclined thereto already. These slanders (I say) are with that one word sufficiently confuted: yet I will briefly answer to them both. They allege that by the justification of faith, good works are destroyed. I leave unspoken, what manner of men be these zealous lovers of good works which do so backbite us. Let them have licence as freely to rail as they do licentiously infect the whole world with the filthiness of their life. They feign that they be grieved, that when faith is so gloriously advanced, works are driven down out of their place. What if they be more raised up, and stablished? For neither do me dream of a faith void of good works, nor a justification that is without them. This only is the difference, that when we confess that faith and good works do necessarily hang together, yet we set justification in faith, not in works. For what reason we do so, ⟨image 275⟩we have in readiness easily to declare, if we do but turn to Christ unto whom our faith is directed, and from whom it receiveth her whole strength. Why therefore are we justified by faith? because by faith we take hold of the righteousness of Christ, by which alone we are reconciled to God. But this thou canst not take hold of, but that thou must also therewithal take hold of sanctification. For he was given to us, for righteousness, wisdom, sanctification, & redemption. Therefore Christ justifieth none whom he doth not also sanctify.