A17662:470
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 whereas the Lord being offended, and in a manner wearied with our obstinate stubbornness, doth not for a time leave us (that is by taking away his word in which he is wont to give us a certain presence of him self) and doth make a proof what we would do in his absence, it is falsely gathered hereof that there is any strength of freewill that he should behold and try, forasmuch as he doth it to no other end, but to drive us to acknowledge our own being nothing.
Nowe whereas the Lorde beyng offended, and in a manner weried with our obstinate stubbornnesse, dothe not for a time leaue vs (that is by takynge awaye his worde in whyche he is wonte to geue vs a certayne presence of hym selfe) and dothe make a profe what we would doe in his absence, it is falsly gathered hereof that there is any strength of freewill that he should beholde and trie, for asmuch as he doth it to no other end, but to dryue vs to acknowledge our owne beyng nothyng.
They bring also for their defence the continual manner of speaking,§14 that is used both in the Scriptures & in the talk of men. For good works are called ours, and it is no less said that we do the thing that is holy and pleasing to God, than that we commit sins. But if sins be justly imputed to us, as proceeding from us, truly in righteous doings also somewhat by the same reason ought to be assigned unto us. For it were against reason that it should be said that ⟨image 113⟩we do those things, to the doing whereof being unable of our own motion, we are moved by God like sto•es. Therefore though we give the chief part to the grace of God, yet these manners of speaking do show that our endeavour hath also yet a second part. If that thing only were still enforced, that good works are called ours, I would object again,1