A17662:486
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, where comfort is promised in affliction, specially where the §3deliverance of the Church is described, there the banner of affiance and hope is advanced in Christ alone. God went out to the saving of his people with his Messiah,1 saith Habakkuk. And so oft as the Prophets make mention of the restoring of the Church, they call back ⟨image 117⟩the people to the promise made to David, concerning the everlasting continuance of the kingdom. And no marvel. For otherwise there had ben no assurance of the covenant. For which purpose serveth that notable answer of Isaiah. For when he saw that the unbelieving king Achaz refused that which he had declared to him of the raising of the siege of Jerusalem and of present safety, as it were suddenly, he passed over to Messiah.2 Behold a virgin shall conceive and bring forth a Son, meaning indirectly that though the king and his people by their frowardness refused the promise offered unto them, as though they did of purpose bend themselves to discredit the truth of God, yet the covenant should not be void, but that the Redeemer should come at his appointed time. Finally it was the care of all the Prophets, to the end they might show that God would be merciful, alway to set out that kingdom of David, whereupon hanged the redemption and everlasting salvation.3 So Isaiah saith: I will make a covenant with you, the faithful mercies of David. Behold I have given him for a witness unto nations, that is, because the faithful when their state is at the worst, could not otherwise have any hope, but by the means of him being witness, that God would be appeasable toward them.4 Likewise Jeremiah, to raise them up being in despair, saith: Behold the days come, wherein I will raise up unto David a righteous branch, and then shall Judah be saved,5 and Israel shall dwell in safety. And Ezekiel saith, I will raise up one shepherd over my sheep, even David my servant. I the Lord will be a God to them, and my servant David for a shepherd. And I will make a covenant of peace with them. Also man other place,