A17662:439
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.
Now that the ministry of Satan is used to prick forward the reprobate, so oft as the Lord by his providence appointeth them to ⟨p. 26⟩this or to that, may sufficiently be proved, though it were but by one place only.1 For it is oftentimes said in Samuel, that the evil spirit of the Lord, and an evil spirit from the Lord, did either violently carry or leave Saul. To say that this spirit was the holy Ghost, is blasphemous. Therefore the unclean spirit is called the spirit of God, because it answereth at his commandment and power, being rather his instrument in doing, than an author of it self. This is also to be added withal,2 which Paul teacheth, that the efficacy of error & deceiving, is sent by God, that they which have not obeyed the truth, may believe lies. But there is alway great difference in one self same work, between that which the Lord doeth, and that which Satan and the wicked go about. He maketh the evil instruments that he hath under his hand, & may turn whether he list, to serve his justice. They, in as much as they are evil, do bring fourth in effect the wickedness that they have conceived by corruptness of nature. The rest, of such things as serve for to deliver the majesty of God from slander, and to cut of all shifting from the wicked, are already set fourth in the chapter concerning Providence. For in this place my purpose was only to show how Satan reigneth in the reprobate man, and how God worketh in them both.
Nowe that the ministery of Sathan is vsed to pricke forward the reprobate, so oft as the Lorde by his prouidence appointeth them to ⟨p. 26⟩this or to that, may sufficiently be proued, though it were but by one place only.1 For it is oftentimes sayde in Samuel, that the euell spirite of the Lorde, and an euill spirite from the Lorde, did either violently carry or leaue Saul. To say that this spirite was the holy Ghost, is blasphemous. Therfore the vncleane spirit is called the spirit of God, because it aunswereth at his commaundement and power, being rather his instrument in doing, than an authour of it selfe. This is also to be added withall,