A17662:509
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.
A lantern to my feet is thy word, and a light unto my paths▪ and innumerable other that he rehearseth in all that Psalm. Neither are these things against the sayings of Paul,1 wherein us showed, not what use the law ministereth to the regenerate, butte what it is able to give to man of it self. Butte here the Prophet reporteth with how great profit the Lord doth instruct them by reading of his law, to whom he inwardly inspireth a readiness to obey. And he taketh hold not of the commandments only, butte also the promise of grace annexed to the things, which only maketh the bitterness to ware sweet. For what were less amiable than the law, if it should only with requiring and threatening trouble souls carefully with fear, and vex them with terror? Butte specially David showeth, that he in the law conceived the Mediator, without whom there is no delight or sweetness.
A launterne to my feete ys thy woorde, and a lyghte vnto my pathes▪ and innumerable other that hee reherseth in all that Psalme. Neyther are these thynges agaynste the sayinges of Paule,1 wherein vs shewed, not what vse the lawe mynystreth to the regenerate, butte what yt ys able to geue to manne of yt selfe. Butte here the Prophete reporteth wyth howe greate profyte the Lorde doothe instructe them by readynge of hys lawe, to whome hee inwardely inspyreth a readynesse to obeye. And hee taketh holde not of the commaundementes onely, butte also the promyse of grace annexed to the thynges, whyche onely maketh the bytternesse to ware sweete. For what were lesse ameable than the lawe, yf yt shoulde onely wyth requyringe and threateninge trouble soules carefully wyth feare, and vexe them wyth terroure? Butte specially Dauid sheweth, that hee in the lawe conceyued the Mediatoure, wythoute whome there ys no delyte or sweetenesse.
- 1Psal. C. xix. c. v.