A17662:492
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.
But ⟨p. 39⟩that same figure showeth, that God did not therefore command sacrifices, because he would occupy them that worshipped him with earthly exercises, but rather to raise up their minds higher. Which may also plainly appear by his nature: for as he is spiritual, so he is delighted with no other worshipping but spiritual. This do the sayings of the Prophets testify, wherein they rebuke the Jews of sluggishness, for that they thought that any sacrifices were of any value with God. Is that because their purpose is to derogate any thing from the law? No, but according as they were true expositors of the law, so they would by this mean have mens eyes directed to the mark from which the common people strayed. Now by the grace offered to the Jews it is certainly gathered,1 that the law was not void of Christ. For Moses did set forth unto them this end of the adoption, that they should become a priestly kingdom to God. Which they could not obtain, unless there were had for the mean thereof a greater and more excellent reconciliation, than by the blood of beasts. For what is less likely than Adams children, which by inheritably descending infection are all borne the bondslaves of sin, to be advanced to royal dignity, and so to become partakers of the glory of God, unless that so excellent a benefit should come unto them from else where than from themselves? Also how could the right of priesthood remain in force among them, who by filthiness of sins were abominable to God, unless they had ben consecrate in a holy head▪ Wherefore Peter doth very aptly turn that saying of Moses, where he teacheth, that the fullness of grace, the taste whereof the Jews had taken under the law,2 was given in Christ: Ye are (sayeth he) a chosen kindred, a kingly priesthood. For to this end tendeth that turning of the words to show that they, to whom Christ appeared by the Gospel, have obtained more than their fathers, because they are all endued both with priestly and kingly honour, that trusting upon their mediator, they may freely be bold to come forth into the sight of God.
But ⟨p. 39⟩