A17662:182
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.
Although I do not yet touch the person of the Mediator, but §9do defer it to that place where we shall specially entreat of the Redemption: yet because it ought to be certainly holden without controversy among all men, that Christ is the same Word clad with flesh, in this place will be very fit to recite all those testimonies that prove Christ to be God.1 When it is said in the .xlv. Psalm, thy throne O God is for ever and ever: the Jews do cavil and say, that ⟨image 42⟩the name Elohim is also applied to the Angels and sovereign powers. But in all the Scripture there is not a like place, that raiseth an eternal throne to any creature. For he is here not simply called God, but also the eternal Lord. Again, this tittle is given to none but with an addition,2 as it is said: that Moses shall be for a God to Pharaoh. Some read it in the Genitive case which is very foolish. I grant in deed that oftentimes a thing is called Divine or of God, that is notable by any singular excellence: but here by the tenor of the text it appeareth, that such a meaning were hard and forced, and will not agree. But if their stubbornness will not so yield: In Isaiah is very plainly brought in for all one both Christ and God, and he that is adorned with the sovereign power, which is properly belonging to God alone. This (sayeth he) is the name whereby they shall call him,3 the strong God, the Father of the world to come &c. Here the Jews bark again, and turn the text thus: this is the name whereby the strong God the father of the world to come shall call him: so that they leave this only to the Son to be called the Prince of peace. But to what purpose should so many names of addition in this place be heaped upon God the Father, seeing it is the purpose of the Prophet to adorn Christ with such special notes as may build our Faith upon him? Wherefore it is out of doubt that he is here in like sort called the strong God, as he is a little before called Immanuel.4 But nothing can be found plainer than that place of Jeremiah where he sayeth, that this shall be the name whereby the seed of David shall be called Jehovah our righteousness.