A17662:307
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.
Whereupon Christ after he had affirmed that not the sparrow of least value,1 doeth fall to the ground without the will of the Father, doeth by and by apply it to this end, that we should consider that how much we be more worth than sparrows, with so much nigher care doeth God provide for us, and he extendeth that care so far that we may be bold to trust that the hairs of our head are numbered. What can we wish our selves more, if not so much as a hear can fall from our head but by his will? I speak not only of all mankind, but because God hath chosen his church for a dwelling house for himself, it is no doubt but that he doeth by singular examples show his care in governing of it.
Whervppon Christ after he had affirmed that not the sparowe of leaste value,1 doeth fal to the grounde without the will of the Father, doeth by and by apply it to this ende, that we shoulde consider that howe muche we be more woorth than sparrowes, with so much nyer care doeth God prouide for vs, and he extendeth that care so farre that we may be bolde to truste that the heares of our head are numbred. What can we wishe our selues more, yf not so muche as a heare can fall from our head but by his will? I speake not onely of all mankynde, but bycause God hath chosen his churche for a dwellyng house for himselfe, it is no doute but that he doeth by singuler examples shew his care in gouerning of it.
- 1Math. x.xxix.
The servant of God being strengthened with these both, promises and examples, will join with them the testimonies which teach that §7all men are under Gods power, whether it be to win their minds to good will, or to restrain their malice that it may do no hurt. For it is the Lord that giveth us favour not only with them that will us well,