A17662:250
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.
As we have before confuted that trifling philosophy concerning the §19holy Angels, which teacheth that they are nothing else but good inspirations or motions, which God stirreth up in the minds of men: so in this place must we confute them that fondly say that devils are nothing else but evil affections or perturbations of mind, that are thrust into us by our flesh. That may we shortly do, because there be many testimonies of Scripture, & those plain enough upon this point. First where the unclean Spirits are called, Angels Apostates, which have swerved out of kind from their beginning, the very names do sufficiently express that they are not motions or affections of minds, but rather in deed as they be called minds or Spirits endued with sense and understanding. Likewise whereas both Christ and John do compare the children of God with the children of the devil:1 were it not an unfit comparison, if the name of the devil signified nothing else but evil inspirations? And John addeth somewhat more plainly, that the devil sinneth from the beginning. Likewise when Jude bringeth in Michael the archangel fighting with the devil, doubtless he setteth against the good Angel an evil and rebellious Angel. Wherewith agreeth that which is red in the history of Job,2 that Satan appeared with the Holy Angels before God. But most plain of all are those places that make mention of the punishment which they begin to feel by the judgement of God, and specially shall feel at the resurrection. Son of David why art thou come before the time to torment us? Again, Go ye cursed into the eternal fire that is prepared for the devil & his Angels.3 Again, If he spared not his own Angels that had sinned, but cast them down into hell and delivered them into chains of darkness to be kept unto damnation. &c. How fond should these speeches be, that the devils are ordained to eternal judgement, that fire is prepared for them, that they are now already tormented & vexed by the glory of Christ: if there were no devils at all? But because this matter needeth no disputation among them that believe the word of the Lord. & little good is done with testimonies of Scripture among those vain students of speculation, whom nothing pleaseth but that which is new: