A17662:1218
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 .xix. Chapter. Of Christian liberty.
The .xix. Chapter. Of Christian libertie.
Now we must entreat of Christian liberty: the declaration whereof he must not omit whose purpose is to comprehend in an abridgement the sum of the doctrine of the Gospel. For it is a thing principally necessary, & without the knowledge whereof conscience dare in a manner enterprise nothing without doubting, they stumble and start back in many things, they alway stagger & tremble: but specially it is an appendant of justification, and availeth not a little to the understanding of the strength thereof. Yea they that earnestly fear God, shall hereby receive an incomparable fruit of that doctrine which the wicked & Lucianicall men do pleasantly taunt with their scoffs,1 because in the spiritual darkness wherewith they be taken, every wanton railing is lawful for them. Wherefore it shall now come forth in fi•t season: & it was profitable to differ to this place the plainer discoursing of it, (for we have already in divers places lightly touched it) because so soon as any mention is brought in of Christian liberty, then either filthy lusts do boil, or mad motions do arise, unless these wanton wits be timely met withal, which do otherwise most naughtily corrupt the veste things. For, some men by pretence of this liberty, shake of all obedience of God, and break forth into an unbridled licentiousness: and some men disdain it, thinking that by it all moderation, order and choice of things is taken away. What should we here do, being compassed in such narrow straits? Shall we bid Christian liberty farewell, and so cut of all fit occasion for such perils? But, as we have said, unless it be fast holden, neither Christ, nor the truth of the Gospel, nor the inward peace of the soul is rightly known. Rather we must endeavour that so necessary a part of doctrine be not suppressed, and yet that in the mean time those fond objections may be met withal which are wont to rise thereupon.