A17662:330
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.
Forasmuch as hitherto I have recited only such things as are §3written in the Scriptures, plainly and not doubtfully, let them that fear not wrongfully to slander the heavenly oracles, take heed what manner of judgement they take upon them. For if by feigned pretending of ignorance they seek a praise of modesty, what can be imagined more proudly done, than to set one small word against the authority of God? as I think otherwise, I like not to have this touched. But if they openly speak evil, what prevail they with spitting against the heaven? But this is no new example of waywardness, because there have ben in all ages wicked and ungodly men, that with raging mouth barked against this point of doctrine. But they shall feel that thing in deed to be true, which long ago the Holy ghost spake by the mouth of David, that God may overcome when he is judged.1 David doth by the way rebuke the madness of men in this so unbridled licentiousness, that of their own filthiness they do not only argue against God, but also take upon them power to condemn him. In the mean time he shortly admonisheth, that the blasphemies which they vomit up against the heaven do not reach unto God, but that he driving away the clouds of cavillations doeth brightly show forth his righteousness,2 and also our faith (because being grounded upon the word of God, it is above all the world) doeth from her high place contemptuously look down upon these mists. For first where they object, that if nothing happen but by the will of God, then are there in him two contrary wills, because ⟨image 79⟩he decreeth those things by secrete purpose, which he hath openly forbidden by his law, that is easily wiped away. But before I answer it, I will ones again give the readers warning that this cavillation is thrown out not against me, but against the Holy ghost, which taught the holy man Job this confession:3 As it pleased God, so it came to pass. When he was spoiled by thieves, he acknowledged in the injury & hurt that they did him, the just scourge of God. What sayeth the Scripture in other places?4