A17662:580
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.
The sixth Commandment.
The sixte Commaundement.
Thou shalt not kill.
Thou shalte not kyll.
The end of this commandment is, that forasmuch as God hath bound together all mankind with a certain unity, that every man ought to regard the safety of all men, as a thing given him in charge. In sum therefore, all violence and wrong, yea and all harm doing, whereby our neighbours body may be hurt, is forbidden us. And therefore we are commanded, if there be any power of succour in our travail to defend the life of our neighbours, that we faithfully employ the same, that we procure those things that may make for their quiet, that we watch to keep them from hurt, and if they be in any danger, that we give them our helping hand. If thou consider that it is God the lawmaker that so saith, then think withal that his meaning is by this rule also to govern thy soul. For it mere a fond thing to think, that he which espieth the thoughts of the heart, and principally resteth upon them, should instruct nothing but the body to true righteousness. Therefore the manslaughter of the heart is also forbidden in this law, and an inward affection to preserve our brothers life is here given in commandment. The hand in deed bringeth fourth the manslaughter, but the mind conceiveth it, when it is infected with wrath and hatred. Look whether thou canst be angry with thy brother without burning in desire to do him hurt. If thou canst not be angry with him, then canst thou not hate him, forasmuch as hatred is nothing butte an old rooted anger. Although thou dissemble and go about to wind out thy self by vain circumstances: ⟨p. 59⟩