A17662:29
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.
But now whereas they call us to Custom, they nothing prevail. For we should be most unjustly dealt with, if we should be driven to yield to Custom. Truly if the judgements of men were right, Custom should be taken of the good. But it oftentimes happeneth that men do otherwise. For, that which is seen to be done of many, by and by obtaineth the right of a Custom. But the state of men hath scarcely at any time ben in so good case, that the better things pleased the greater number. Therefore for the most part of the private vices of many hath been made a public error, or rather a common consent of vices, which now these good men would have to stand for a law. Who so have eyes do see that not only one sea of evils hath overflowed, many poisonous pestilences have invaded the world, that all things run headlong to ruin: so that either the matters of men must be utterly despaired,1 or we must lay hand unto, or rather use violence upon so great evils. And remedy is by no other reason driven away, but because we have now long time accustomed us to evils. But be it that public error have place in matters of common weal: yet in the kingdom of God his only truth is to be heard and regarded, to which by no succeeding course of years, by no custom, by no conspired agreement, may any prescription to be limited. So in old time Esase taught the elect of God, that they should not say. Conspiring, to all things in which the people said Conspiring:2 that is to say, that they should not conspire together to the wicked agreement of the people, nor should fear and dread the peoples fear: but rather that they should sanctify the Lord of hosts, and he should be their fear and dread. Now therefore let them as much as they list object against us both passed and present ages, if we sanctify the Lord of hosts, we will not be much afraid. For whether it be that many ages have consented to like ungodliness, he is strong to take vengeance to the third and fourth generation: or if the whole world together conspire into one self same wickedness, he hath by experience taught what is the end of them that offend with the multitude,3 when he did with a general overflowing destroy the whole kind of men, preserving Noah with a small household, which should by his faith being but one man condemn the whole world.