A17662:540
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.
After that he hath showed that it is he that hath power to command, to whom obedience is due, lest he should seem to draw by only necessity, he also allureth with sweetness in pronouncing, that he is the God of the Church. For there is hidden in this speeches mutual relation,1 which is contained in the promise: I will be to them a God, and they shall be to me a people. Whereupon Christ proveth that Abraham, Isaac and Jacob have immortal life, by this that God testified that he is their God. Wherefore it is as much in effect, as if he should say thus: I have chosen you to be my people, not only to do you good in this present life, but also to give you the blessedness of the life to come. But to what end this tendeth, it is noted in diverse places in the law. For when the Lord doth vouch save to deal thus mercifully with us,2 to call us into the company of his people, he chooseth us (saith Moses) that we should be a peculiar people unto him self, a holy people, and should keep his commandments. ⟨p. 50⟩From whence also cometh this exhortation:3 Be ye holy, for I am holy. Now out of these two is derived that protestation that is in the Prophet: The son honoureth the father,4 & the servant honoureth his Lord. If I be a lord, where is my fear? If I be a father, where is my love?
After that he hath shewed that it is he that hath power to commaund, to whome obedience is due, lest he should seme to drawe by only necessitie, he also allureth with swetenesse in pronouncyng, that he is the God of the Churche. For there is hidden in this speache• mutuall relation,1 whyche is conteyned in the promise: I will bee to them a God, and they shal be to me a people. Whereupon Christ proueth that Abraham, Isaac and Iacob haue immortall lyfe, by this that God testified that he is their God. Wherefore it is as muche in effecte, as yf he should saye thus: I haue chosen you to be my people, not only to doe you good in this present lyfe, but also to geue you the blessednesse of the life to come. But to what end this tendeth, it is noted in diuerse places in ye law. For whē ye Lord doth vouch saue to deale thus mercifully with vs,