A17662:1236
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.
For, so that they may provide for their own quietness, they wish all mention of liberty to be buried, whereas it is no less behoveful for our neighbours, sometime to use liberty for their benefit & edification, than in fit place to restrain it for their commodity. But it is the part of a godly man to think, that free power in outward things is therefore granted him, that he may be the freer to all duties of charity.
For, so yt they may prouide for their owne quietnesse, they wish al mētion of libertie to be buried, wheras it is no lesse behoueful for our neighbors, somtime to vse libertie for their benefit & edificaciō, than in fit place to restraine it for their cōmoditie. But it is the parte of a godly man to thinke, that free power in outward things is therfore graūted him, that he may be the freer to all duties of charitie.
But whatsoever I have spoken of avoiding of offences, my meaning §13is that it be referred to mean & indifferent things. For, those things that are necessary to be done, are not to be left undone for fear of any offence. For as our liberty is to be submitted to charity▪ so charity it self likewise ought to be under the pureness of faith. Verily here also ought to be had regard of charity, but so far as to the altars that is that for our neighbours sake we offend not God. Their intemperance is not to be allowed, which do nothing but with troublesome turmoiling, and which had rather rashly to ren• all things, than leisurely to rip them. Neither yet are they to be harkened to, ⟨image 292⟩which when they be leaders of men into a thousand sorts of ungodliness, yet do feign that they must behave themselves so that they be no offence to their neighbours. As though they do not in the mean edify the consciences of their neighbours to evil, specially whereas they stick fast in the same mire without any hope of getting out. And the pleasant men forsooth, whether their neighbour be to be instructed with doctrine or example of life, say that he must be fed with milk, whom they fill with most evil and poisonous opinions. Paul reporteth that he fed the Corinthians with drinking of milk: