A17662:541
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 followeth the rehearsal of his benefit, which ought to be of so §15much more force to move us, as the fault of unthankfulness is more detestable even among men. He then did put Israel in remembrance of a benefit lately done, but such a one as for the miraculous greatness thereof being worthy to be had in remembrance for ever, should remain in force with their posterity. Moreover it is most agreeable for this present matter. For the Lord seemeth to say that they were delivered out of miserable bondage for this purpose, that they should with obedience and readiness of service honour him, the author of their deliverance. He useth also, (to the end to hold us fast in the true worshipping of him alone) to set out himself with certain titles, whereby he maketh his sacred majesty to be differently known from all idols & forged gods. For▪ as I said before, such is our ready inclination to vanity, joined with rash boldness, that so soon as God is named, our mind can not take heed to it self, but that it by and by falleth away to some vain invention. Therefore, when the Lord meaneth to bring a remedy for this mischief, he setteth out his own godhead with certain titles, and so doth compass us in, as it were within certain grates, lest we should wander hither and thither & rashly forge our selves some new God, if forsaking the living God, we should erect and idol. For this cause, so oft as the Prophets mean properly to point out him, they clothe him, and as it were enclose him, within those marks, whereby he had opened himself to the people of Israel. And yet when he is called the God of Abraham,1 or the God of Israel, when he is set in the temple of Jerusalem among the Cherubim, these and like forms of speech do not bind him to one place or to one people, but are set only for this purpose, to stay the thoughts of the godly in y• God, which by his covenant, that he hath made with Israel, hath so represented himself, that it is no way lawful to vary from such a pattern. But let this remain steadfastly imprinted, that there is mention made of the deliverance to this end, that the Jews might the more cheerfully give themselves to the God that doth by right claim them unto him.
Now foloweth the rehersal of his benefite, whiche ought to be of so §15