A17662:372
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.
I may seem to have brought a great prejudice against my §9self, which have confessed, that all the ecclesiastical writers, except Augustine, have spoken so doubtfully or diversly in this matter, that no certainty can be had out of their writings. For some will so construe this, that I meant therefore to thrust them from giving any voice herein, because they are all against me. As for me, I meant it to no other end but this, ye I simply and in good faith would have Godly wits provided for, which is they wait upon those mens opinion in this point, they shall alway waver uncertain. In such sort do they sometime teach, man being spoiled of all strength of freewill, to flee to grace only; sometime they furnish or seem to furnish him with his ⟨image 89⟩own armour. But it is not hard to make appear, that in such doubtfulness of speech, they nothing, or very little, esteeming mans strength, have given the praise of all good things to the holy ghost, if I hear recite certain sentences of theirs, whereby that is plainly taught.1 For what meaneth that saying of Cyprian, which Augustine so oft repeateth, that we ought to glory of nothing, because we have nothing of our own, but that man wholly despoiled in him self, may learn to hang all upon God. What meaneth that saying of Augustine & Eucherius, when they expound, that Christ is the tree of life to whom he that reacheth his hand, shall live? and that the tree of knowledge of good and evil, is the free choice of will, whereof who so tasteth, forsaking the grace of God he shall dye?2 What meaneth that of Chrysostom, that every man is naturally not only a sinner, but also altogether sin? If we have no good thing of our own: if man from top to too be altogether sin: if it be not lawful to attempt how much the power of Free will is able to do, how then may it be lawful to part the praise of a good work between God and man? I could rehearse of this sort very many sayings out of other, but lest any man should cavil that I choose out those things only that make for my purpose, and do craftily leave out such things as make against me, therefore I do forbear such rehearsal.
I maye seeme to haue broughte a greate preiudice agaynste my