A17662:219
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 .xiiii. Chapter. That the Scripture even in the creation of the world and of all things: both by certain marks put difference between the true God, and •ayned▪ Gods.
¶ The .xiiii. Chapter. That the Scripture euen in the creacion of the world and of al things: both by certayne markes putte difference betwene the true God, and •ayned▪ Gods.
1Although Isaiah doeth worthily reproach the worshippers of false gods with slothfulness, for that they have not learned by the very foundations of the earth, and round compass of the heavens, which is the true God: yet such is the dullness and grossness of our wit, that least the faithful should fall away to the inventions of the gentiles, it was necessary to have god more expressly painted out unto them. For whereas that saying that God is the mind of the world, which is counted the most tolerable description that is found among the Philosophers, is but vain, it behoveth us more familiarly to know him, least we alway waver in doubtfulness. Therefore it was his pleasure to have an history of the creation remaining, whereupon the Faith of the church might rest, & seek for no other God but him, whom Moses hath declared to be the maker & builder of the world. There is first set forth the time, that by continual proceeding of years the faithful might come to the first original of mankind, and of all things. Which knowledge is very necessary, not only to confute those monstrous fables that sometime were spread in Egypt and other parts of the world, but also, that the beginning of the world ones being known, the eternity of God may more clearly shine forth and ravish us in admiration of it. Neither ought we to be any thing moved with that ungodly mock,