A17662:449
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.
Moreover they bring forth that which may seem to be taken §3out of Chrysostom:1 If this be not the power of our will, to choose good or evil, then they that are partakers of the same nature, must either all be evil or all be good. And not far from that is he, what soever he was, that wrote the book Of the calling of the Gentiles, which is carried about under the name of Ambrose, when he maketh this argument,2 that no man should ever depart from the faith, unless the grace of God did leave unto us the state of mutability: wherein it is marvel, that so excellent men fell beside them selves. For how chanceth it came not in Chrysostoms mind, that it is Gods election that so maketh difference between men? As for us, we fear not to grant that which Paul with great earnestness affirmeth,3 that all together are perverse and given to wickedness: butte with him we adjoin this, that by Gods mercy it cometh to pass that all abide not in perverseness. Therefore whereas naturally we are all sick of one disease, they only recover health upon whom it hath pleased God to lay his healing hand. The rest whom by just judgement he passeth over, pine away in their own rottenness till they be consumed. Neither is it of any other cause, that some continue to the end, and some fall in their course begun. For continuance it self is the gift of God, which he giveth not to all indifferently, butte dealeth it to whom it pleaseth him self. If a man ask for a cause of the difference, why some continue constantly, and some fail by unsteadfastness, we know none other cause butte that God sustaineth the one sort strengthened with his power that they perish not, and doth not give the same strength to the other sort, that they may be examples of inconstancy.
Moreouer they brynge fourthe that whyche maye seeme to bee taken §3oute of Chrysostome:1 If thys bee not the power of oure wyll, to choose good or euell, then they that are partakers of the same nature, muste eyther all be euell or all bee good. And not farre from that ys he, what soeuer hee was, that wrote the booke Of the callyng of the Gentyles, whyche ys carryed aboute vnder the name of Ambrose, when hee maketh thys argumente,