A17662:368
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 yet somewhat, after such a sort as it is, we perceive by this division, after what manner they have given Free will to man. For at length Lombard saith,1 that we have not free will therefore, because we are alike able either to do or to think good and evil, but only that we are free from compulsion: which freedom is not hindered, although we be perverse and the bondmen of sin, and can do nothing but sin.
But yet somwhat, after suche a sorte as it is, we perceaue by this diuision, after what manner thei haue geuen Free wil to man. For at length Lombard sayth,1 that we haue not free will therfore, bycause we are alyke able eyther to do or to thynke good and euell, but onely that we are free from compulsion: whiche freedome is not hindered, althoughe we be peruerse and the bondemen of sinne, and can doe nothinge but sinne.
- 1Lib. 2. dist. 25.
Therefore, man shall be said to have free will after this sort, not because he hath a free choice as well of good as of evil, but because he doth evil by Will, and not by compulsion. That is very well said: but to what purpose was it to garnish so small a matter with so proud a title? A goodly liberty forsooth, if man be not compelled to serve sin: so is he yet a willing servant that his will is holden fast bound with the setters of sin. Truly I do abhor striving about words wherewith the Church is vainly wearied: but I think that such words are with great religious carefulness to be taken heed of, which sound of any absurdity, specially where the error is hurtful. How few I pray you, are there, which when they hear that Free will is assigned to man, do not by and by conceive, that he is lord both of his own mind and will, and that he is able of him self to turn him self to whether part he will? But some one will say: this peril shall be taken away, if the people be diligently warned of the meaning of it. But rather forasmuch as the wit of man is naturally bent to falsity, he will sooner conceive an error out of one little word, than a truth out of a long tale. Of which thing we have a more certain experience in this very word, than is to be wished. For omitting that exposition of the old writers, all they in manner that came after, while they stick upon the natural signification of the word, have ben carried into a trust of them selves that bringeth them to destruction.