A17662:390
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.
Therefore none come to him, but they that have heard and ben taught of the Father. What manner way of learning and hearing is this? Even, when the holy ghost by marvellous and singular virtue formeth the ears to hear, ⟨p. 14⟩and the minds to understand. And lest that should seem s•raung, he allegeth the prophecy of Elaye, where when he promiseth the repairing of the church that they which shall be gathered together to salvation,1 shall be taught of the Lord. If god there foresheweth some peculiar thing concerning his elects, it is evident that he speaketh not of that kind of learning that was also common to the wicked and ungodly. It remaineth therefore that we must understand it thus, that the way into the kingdom of God is open to no man, but to him to whom the holy ghost by his enlightening shall make a new mind. But Paul speaketh most plainly of all, which of purpose entering into discourse of this matter. After he had condemned all mens wisdom of folly and vanity, & utterly brought it to naught, at the last concludeth thus:2 that natural man can not perceive those things that are of the spirit of God: they are foolishness unto him, and he can not understand them, because they are spiritually judged. Whom doeth he call natural? even him that stayeth upon the light of nature. He I say comprehendeth nothing in the spiritual mysteries of God. Why so? is it because by slothfulness he neglecteth it? Nay, rather although he would travail never so much, he can do nothing, because forsooth they are spiritually judged. What meaneth that? because being utterly hidden from the light of man• they are opened by the only revelation of the spirit: so that they are reckoned for folly where the spirit of God giveth no light. Before he had advanced those things that God hath prepared for them that love him, above the capacity of eyes, ears and minds. Yea he testified that mans wisdom was as a certain veil, whereby mans mind was kept from seeing God.3 What mean we? The Apostle pronounceth, that the wisdom of this world is made folly by god: and shall we forsooth give unto it sharpness of understanding, whereby it may pierce to the secrete places of the heavenly kingdom? Far be such beastliness from us.