A17662:484
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.
He that honoureth not the Son, honoureth not the father. Therefore although by falling away of ten tribes the kingdom decayed: yet it behoved the covenant to stand which God had made in David and his successors:1 as also he said by the Prophets: I will not altogether cut ⟨p. 37⟩of the kingdom, for David my servants sake, and for Jerusalem's sake, whom I have chosen: but there shall remain one tribe to thy son Where the same thing is repeated the second and third time. It is also expressly added.2 I will afflict the seed of David, but not for ever. Within a little space of time after, it is said. For David his servants sake God hath given a light in Jerusalem, to raise up a son and to keep Jerusalem in safety. Now when the state grew toward destruction, it was said again: God would not scatter Judah for David his servants sake, because he had spoken that he would give a light to him and his sons for ever. Finally this is the sum, that all other being passed over, only David was chosen, upon whom the good pleasure of God should rest.3 As in an other place it is said: He hath refused the tabernacle of Silo, and the tabernacle of Joseph, & he hath not chosen the tribe of Ephraim, but he hath chosen the tribe of Judah, the mount Zion which he hath loved. He hath chosen his servant David to feed Jacob his people, and Israel his inheritance. To conclude, it pleased God so to save his church, that the safety and preservation thereof should hang upon that one head, and therefore David crieth out, The Lord the strength of his people, the strength of the salvations of his Christ. And by & by he addeth a prayer: Save thy people and bless thine inheritance: meaning that the state of the church is with unseparable knot joined to the government of Christ. And in the same meaning in an other place:4 Lord save us: Let the king hear us in the day that we shall call upon him. In which words he plainly teacheth, that the faithful did upon none other confidence flee to the help of God, but because they were hidden under the succour of the king.