A17662:263
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.
Also a strong proof hereof may be gathered of this where it is said, that man is create like to the image of God.1 For although the glory of God do appear in the outward shape of man, yet is it no doubt that the proper seat of the image of God is in the soul. I do not deny that as concerning our outward shape, inasmuch as the same doeth distinguish and sever us from brute bests, we do also therein more nearly approach to God than they: nether will I much stand against them which think that this is to be accounted of the image of God, that where all other ⟨p. 53⟩living creatures do grovellyngwise behold the ground, to man is given an upright face, and he is commanded to look upon the heaven, and to advance his countenance toward the stars: so that this remain certain, that the image of God which is seen appeareth in these outward signs, is spiritual. For Osiander (whom his writings declare to have ben in fickle imaginations fondly witty) referring the image of God without difference as well to the body as to the soul, mingleth heaven and earth together. For he saith, that the Father, the Son, and the Holy ghost did settle their image in man, because though Adam had stand without falling, yet should Christ have become man. And so by their opinion the body that was appointed for Christ, was but an example or figure of that bodily shape which then was formed. But where shall he find that Christ is the image of the Spirit? I grant in deed that in the Person of the Mediator shineth the glory of the whole Godhead. But how shall the eternal word be called the image of the Spirit whom he goeth before in order? Finally it overthroweth the distinction between the Son and the Holy ghost, if he do here call him his image. Moreover I would fain learn of him how Christ doth resemble the Holy ghost in the flesh that he took upon him, and by what marks and features he doth express the likeness of him. And where as this saying: Let us make man after our image,2 doth also belong to the Person of the Son, it followeth, that he must be the image of himself: which is against all reason.
Also a strong profe herof may be gathered of this where it is sayed, that man is create lyke to the image of God.