A17662:432
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 fourth Chapter. ¶ How God worketh in the hearts of men.
The fourth Chapter. ¶ How God worketh in the heartes of men.
IT is sufficiently proved, as I think, that man is so holden captive with the yoke of Sin, that of his own nature he can neither aspire by desire, nor travail by endeavour to goodness, beside that, we have rehearsed a distinction between compulsion and necessity, whereby it might appear, that when he sinneth of necessity yet nevertheless he sinneth willingly. But forasmuch as while he is subject in bondage to the Devil, he seemeth rather to be led by the devils will than his own, it resteth now to be declared of what sort are both kinds of working. And then is this question to be assoiled, whether in evil works there be any thing to be attributed to God: in which the Scripture showeth that there is used some working of his. In one place Augustine compareth mans will to a horse, which is ready to be ruled by the will of his rider: and God and the Devil he compareth to riders. If God (saith he) sit upon it, he like a sober and conning rider, governeth it temperately, spurreth it forward if it be to slow, plucketh it back if it be to quick, restraineth the wantonness and wildness of it, tameth the stubbornness of it, and guideth it into the right way. But if the Devil have possessed it, he like a foolish and wanton rider, violently carrieth it through places where no way is, driveth it into ditches, rolleth it down steep places, spurreth it forward to stubbornness and fierceness: which similitude we will for this time be contented with, sith there cometh not a better in place. Where it is said that the will of a natural man is subject to the rule of the Devil, to be stirred by him, it is not meant thereby that man as it were striving against it, and resisting is compelled to obey, as we compel bondslaves against their will, by reason of being their lords, to do our commandments: but that being bewitched with the deceits of Satan, it of necessity yieldeth it self obedient to every leading of him. For whom the Lord vouchsafeth not to rule with his spirit, them by just judgement he sendeth away to be moved of Satan. Wherefore the Apostle saith,