A17662:1262
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.
Therefore there is nothing more agreeable with the nature of prayers, than that this law be prescribed & appointed to them, that they break not forth rashly, but follow faith going before them. To this principle Christ calleth us all with this saying:1 I say unto you, whatsoever things ye require, believe that ye shall receive them, & they shall happen to you. The same also he confirmeth in an other place. Whatsoever ye ask in prayer believing, ye shall receive. Wherewith agreeth James saying, If any need wisdom, let him ask it of him which giveth to all men freely,2 and upbraideth not: butte let him ask in faith not doubting. Wherein setting doubting as contrary to faith, he doth most fitly express the nature of it. And no less is that to be noted which he addeth, that they obtain nothing which call upon God in wavering and doubt, and do not determine in their hearts whether they shall be heard or no. Whom he also compareth to waves which are diversly tossed & driven about of the wind. Whereupon in an other place he calleth a right prayer, the prayer of faith. Again when God so oft affirmeth that he will give to every one according to his faith, he signifieth that we obtain nothing without faith. Finally it is faith that obtaineth what soever is granted by prayer. This is meant by that notable saying of Paul, which the foolish men do take no heed unto. Howe shall any man call upon him,3 in whom he hath not believed? Butte who shall believe, unless he have heard? ⟨p. 224⟩But faith cometh of hearing, and hearing of the word of God. For, conveying by degrees the beginning of prayer from faith, he plainly affirmeth that God can not be sincerely called upon of any other, than them to whom by the preaching of the Gospel his mercifulness & gentleness hath ben made known, and familiarly declared.
Therfore ther is nothing more agreable wt ye nature of praiers, thā yt this law be prescribed & apointed to thē, yt thei breake not forthe rashli, but folow faith going before thē. To this principle Christ calleth vs all with this saieng:1