A17662:384
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 in the mean time yet let us not forget, that these are the §16most excellent good gifts of the spirit of God, which for the common benefit of mankind he dealeth abroad to whom it pleaseth him. For if it behoved, that the understanding and skill that was required for the framing of the tabernacle,1 should be poured into Beseleel & Oliab by the spirit of god, it is no marvel if the knowledge of those ⟨image 92⟩things which are most excellent in mans life, be said to be communicated unto us by the spirit of God. Neither is there cause why any man should ask, what have the wicked to do with Gods spirit, which are altogether estranged from God. For where it is said that the spirit of God dwelleth in the faithful only, that is to be understanded of the spirit of sanctification, by the which we are consecrate to God him self, to be his temples: yet doeth he nevertheless fill move and quicken all things with the virtue of the same spirit and that according to the property of every kind which he hath given to it by law of creation. If it have ben the Lords will that we should be holpen by the travail and service of the wicked in natural Philosophy, Dialectic, the mathematical knowledges, and other: let us use it, lest if we neglect the gifts of God, willingly offered in them, we suffer just punishment for our slothfulness. But lest any should think a man to be blessed, when under the elements of this world there is granted unto him so great an ability to conceive truth, it is also to be added that all this power to understand, and the understanding that followeth thereof, is a vanishing and transitory thing before God, where there is not a steadfast foundation of trueth. For Augustine teacheth most truly, whom (as we have said) the Master of the Sentences, & the other Schoolmen are compelled to assent unto,2 as the free gifts were taken from man after his fall, so these natural gifts which remained, were corrupted. Not that they can be defiled of themselves inasmuch as they come from God, but because they cease to be pure to a defiled man, that he should have no praise of them.
But in the meane tyme yte lette vs not forgette, that these are the