A17662:467
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.
Yet there is alleged a testimony out of the law of Moses, which seemeth to be much against our salvation.1 For after the publishing of the law, he protesteth unto the people in this manner. The commandment that I command thee this day, is not hid from thee, neither far of: It is not in heaven, but hard by thee, it is in thy mouth and in thy heart, thou shouldest do it.
Yet there is alleged a testimonie out of the lawe of Moses, whiche semeth to be muche against our saluation.1 For after the publishing of the lawe, he protesteth vnto the people in this maner. The commaundement that I commaūde thee this day, is not hid from thee, neither far of: It is not in heauen, but hard by thee, it is in thy mouthe and in thy hearte, thou shouldest do it.
- 1Deut. xxx.xj.
Truly if this be taken to be spoken of the bare commandments, I grant they be of no small weight to this present matter. For though it were easy to mock it out with saying, that here is spoken not of the easiness and readiness of observation, but of knowledge: yet even so, peradventure it would also leave some doubt. But the Apostle which is no doubtful expositor, taketh away all doubt from us, which affirmeth that Moses here spake of the doctrine of the Gospel. But if any obstinate man will say,1 that Paul violently wrested those words, that they might be drawn to the Gospel: although his boldness so to say shall not be without impiety, yet is there sufficient matter beside the authority of the Apostle to convince him withal. For if Moses spake of the commandments only, then he puffed up the people with a most vain confidence. For what should they else have done, but thrown them selves down headlong, if they had taken upon them the keeping of the law by their own strength, as a thing not heard for them? Where is them that so ready easiness to keep the law, where there is no access unto it, but by a headlong fall to destruction? Wherefore there is nothing more certain, than that Moses in these words did mean the covenant of mercy, which he had published together with the straight requiring of the law.