A17662:242
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.
Wherefore what soever is said of the ministry of Angels, let us apply it to this end, that overcoming all distrust our hope may be the more strongly stablished in God. For these succours are herefore provided us of God, that we should not be made afraid with multitude of enemies, as though they could prevail against his help, but should fly unto that saying of Elisha, that there be mo on our side than be against us. Howe much then is it against order of reason, that we should be led away from God by Angels which are ordained for this purpose, to rectify that his help is more present among us? But they do lead us away in deed, if they do not straight lead us as it were by the hand to him, that we may have eye unto, call upon, and publish him for our only helper: if we consider not them to be as his hands ⟨p. 48⟩that move them selves unto work but by his direction: if they do not hold us fast in the one Mediator Christ, so that we may hang wholly of him, lean all upon him, be carried to him, and rest in him. For that which is described in the vision of Jacob ought to stick and be fastened in our minds,1 how Angels descend down to the earth unto men, and from men do go up to heaven by a ladder, whereupon standeth the Lord of hosts. Whereby is meant, that by the only intercession of Christ it cometh to pass, that the ministries of the Angels do come unto us,2 as he him self affirmeth, saying: Hereafter ye shall see the heavens open and the Angels descending to the Son of man Joh. i.li. Therefore the servant of Abraham being committed to the custody of the Angel, doth not therefore call upon the Angel to help him, but holpen with that commendation, he prayeth to the Lord, and beseecheth him to show his mercy to Abraham. For as God doeth not therefore make them ministers of his power and goodness, to the intent to part his glory with them: so doth he not therefore promise us his help in their ministration,3 that we should divide our confidence between him and them. Let us therefore forsake that Platonical philosophy, to seek the way to God by Angels, and to honour them for this purpose that they may make God more gentle unto us: which superstitious and curious men have from the beginning gone about, and to this day do continue to bring into our religion.