A17662:356
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 second Chapter. That man is new spoiled of the Freedom of will, and made subject to miserable bondage.
The seconde Chapter. That man is newe spoyled of the Freedome of wyll, and made subiecte to myserable bondage.
Sith we have seen, that the dominion of sin, sins the time that it held the first man bound unto it, doth not only reign in all mankind, but also wholly possesseth every soul: now must we more nearly examine, sins we are brought into that bondage, whether we be spoiled of all freedom or no: And if yet there remain any parcel, how far the force thereof proceedeth. But to the end that the trueth of this question may more easily appear unto us, I will by the way set up a mark, where unto the whole sum may be directed. And this shall be the best way to avoid error, if the dangers be considered that are like to fall on both sides. For when man is put from all uprightness, by and by he thereby taketh occasion of slothfulness: •nd because it is said, that by himself he can do nothing to the study of righteousness, fourth with he neglecteth it wholly, as if it ⟨p. 11⟩pertained nothing unto him. Again, he can presume to take nothing upon himself, be it never so little, but that bothe Gods honore shall bee thereby taken from him, and man himself be overthrown with rash confidence. Therefore, to the end we strike not upon these rocks, this course is to be kept, that man being informed that there remaineth in him no goodness, and being on every side compassed about with most miserable necessity may yet be taught to aspire to the goodness whereof he is void, and to the liberty whereof he is deprived, and may be more sharply stirred up from slothfulness, than if it were feigned that he is furnished with greatest power. Howe necessary this second point is, every man seeth. The first, I see, is doubted of by moe than it ought to be. For this being set out of controversy, it ought then plainly to stand for trueth, that nothing is to be taken away from man of his own, so far as it behoveth that he be thrown down from false boasting of him self. For if it were not granted to man to glory in himself even at that time when by the bountifulness of God he was garnished with most singular ornaments, how much ought he now to be humbled, sith for his unthankfulness he is thrust down from high glory into extreme shame?