A17662:295
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.
The .xvii. Chapter. Whereto and to what end this doctrine is to be applied, that we may be certain of the profit thereof.
The .xvii. Chapter. Wherto and to what ende this doctrine is to be applied, that we may be certaine of the profite therof.
Now forasmuch as mens wits are bent to vain curious subtleties, it is scarcely possible but that they shall encumber themselves with entangled doubts, who soever do not know the true and right use of this Doctrine. Therefore it shall be expedient here to touch shortly to what end the Scripture teacheth, that all things are ordered by God. And first of all is to be noted, that the Providence of God ought to be considered as well for the time to come as for the time past: secondarily that the same is in such forte the governor of all things, that sometime it worketh by means, sometime without means, and sometime against all means. Last of all, that it tendeth to this end, that God may show that he hath care of all mankind, but specially that he doeth watch in ruling of his church, which he vouchsafeth more nearly to look unto. And this is also to be added, that although either the fatherly favour and bountifulness of God, or oftentimes the severity of his judgement do brightly appear in the whole course of his Providence: yet sometime the causes of those things that happen are secrete, so that this thought crepeth into our minds, that mens matters are turned and whirled about with the blind sway of fortune, or so that the flesh stirreth us to murmur, as if God did to make him self pastime to toss men ⟨image 71⟩like tennis balls. True it is that if we were with quiet and still minds ready to learn, the very success it self would at length plainly show, that God hath an assured good reason of his purpose, either to train them that be his to patience, or to correct their evil affections & tame their wantonness, or to bring them down to the renouncing of them selves, or to awake their drowsiness: on the other side to overthrow the proud, to disappoint the subtlety of the wicked, to confound their devises. But howsoever the causes be secrete and unknown to us: we must assuredly hold that they are laid up in hidden store with him,