A17662:513
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.
Of ceremonies it is otherwise, which were abrogate not in effect,§16 but in use only. And this, that Christ by his coming hath made an end of them, doth so no thing diminish their holiness, that it rather setteth them fourth and maketh them glorious. For as they should have given but a vain show to the old people, unless the power of the death and resurrection of Christ had been showed therein, so if they had not ceased, we could not at this day discern to what purpose they were ordained. Therefore Paul, to prove that the keeping of them, now is not only superfluous, but also hurtful, teacheth that they were shadows whereof we have the body in Christ.1 We see therefore how in the abolishing of them, the trueth shineth better than if they did still a far of, and as it were, with a veil spread before show a figure of Christ that hath already plainly appeared.2 […] therefore the veil of the Temple at the death of Christ was torn in two pieces and fell down: because now the true and express image of the heavenly good things was come to light, which before had been but unperfectly begun with dark rude draughts, as the author of the Epistle to the Hebrews saith.3 Hereunto serveth the saying of Christ, that the law and the Prophets were unto the time of John, and that from that tune forward, the Kingdom of God began to be joyfully preached: not meaning that the holy fathers were without the preaching that containeth the hope of salvation, and of eternal life, but because a far of, and under shadows only they did behold that which we at this day see in the full light. But why it behoved that the Church of God should climb up higher from those first instructions, John the Baptist declareth: for that the law is given by Moses,4 but grace & truth began by Jesus Christ. For although the purging of sins were truly promised in the old sacrifices, & the Ark of the covenant was a sure pledge of the fatherly favour of God, yet all this had been but a shadow, if it had not ben grounded upon the grace of Christ, wherein is sound perfect and eternal steadfastness.