A17662:228
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.
Neither was there any thing from the beginning, wherein God hath not showed an example both of his wisdom and justice. Therefore to answer these perverse devises: it behoveth us to lift up our minds higher than our eyes can attain to see. For which cause it is likely, that where in the Nicene creed God is called the creator of all things, things invisible are expressed. Yet will we be careful to keep the measure that the rule of godliness appointeth, least the readers with searching to understand further than is expedient, should wander abroad, being led away from the simplicity of Faith. And surely for as much as the Holy ghost teacheth us alway for our profit, and such things as are finally available to edify, he doth either leave wholly unspoken, or but lightly, & as it were overrunningly touch them: it shall be also our duty to be content not to know those things that do not profit us.
Neyther was there any thyng from the begynnyng, wherin God hath not shewed an example bothe of his wisedome and iustice. Therfore to answere these peruerse deuises: it behoueth vs to lifte vp our myndes hyer than our eyes can atteyne to see. For whiche cause it is likely, that where in the Nicene crede God is called the creatour of all thynges, thinges inuisible are expressed. Yet will we be carefull to kepe the measure that the rule of godlynesse appointeth, least the readers with searchyng to vnderstande further than is expedient, shuld wander abroade, beyng ledde away from the simplicitie of Faith. And surely for as muche as the Holy ghoste teacheth vs alway for oure profite, and suche thynges as are finally auaylable to edifie, he doothe eyther leaue wholly vnspoken, or but lightly, & as it were ouerrunningly touche them: it shall be also our duetie to be content not to know those thynges that doo not profite vs.
That the Angels, for as much as they are the ministers of God ordained §4to execute his commandments, are also his creatures, it ought to be certainly out of all question. To move doubt of the time and order that they were created in, should it not rather be a busy waywardness than diligence?