The Institution of Christian Religion

Let be red what Lactantius and Eusebius have written of this matter which stick not to take it for certain that they were all mortal of whom images are to be seen. Likewise Augustine: which without doubting pronounceth that it is unlawful not only to worship images, but also to set up images to God. And yet sayeth he none other thing but the same which many years before was decreed by the Elibertine council,¹ whereof this is the .xxxvi. Chapter. It is ordained that no pictures be had in the church, that the thing which is honoured and worshipped be not painted on the walls. But most notable is that which in another place Augustine allegeth out of Varro,² and confirmeth it with his own assent, that they which first brought in the images of gods, both toke away the fear of God, and brought in error. If Varro alone should say this, peradventure it should be but of small authority. Yet ought it of right to make us ashamed that a heathen man groping in darkness came to this light, to see that bodily images are therefore unmeet for the majesty of God, because they diminish the fear of God and increase error in men. The proof it self witnesseth that this was no less truly than wisely spoken. But Augustine having borrowed it of Varro, bringeth it forth as of his own mind. And first he admonisheth, that the first errors wherewith men were entangled concerning God, began not of images, but as with new matter added increased by them. Secondly he expoundeth that the fear of god is therefore minished or rather taken away thereby, because his majesty may easily in the foolishness and in the fond and absurd forging of images grow to contempt. Which second thing I would to god we did not by proof find to be so true. Whosoever therefore will covet to be rightly taught, let him else where learn than of images, what is mete to be known concerning God.

Let be red what Lactantius and Eusebius haue writtē of this matter which sticke not to take it for certayne yt they wer al mortal of whō images are to be seen. Likewise Augustine: whiche withoute douting pronounceth that it is vnlawfull not onely to worship images, but also to set vp images to God. And yet sayeth he none other thyng but the same which many yeares before was decreed by the Elibertine councel,¹