A17662:606
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.
As for them which seek for two commandments in the prohibition of coveting, the wise reader, though I say nothing, will judge that by wrong division, they tear in sunder that which was butte one. And it maketh nothing against us, that this word, Thou shalt not covet, is the second time repeated, for after that he had first set the house, then he renteth the parts thereof, beginning at the wife: whereby it plainly appeareth, that (as the Hebrews do very well) it ought to be read in one whole sentence, and that God in effect commandeth, that all that every man possesseth, should remain safe and untouched, not only from wrong and lust to defraud them, but also from the very least desire that may move our minds.
As for them whyche seeke for twoo commaundementes in the prohibition of couetinge, the wyse reader, thoughe I saye nothing, wyll iudge that by wronge diuision, they teare in sunder that whyche was butte one. And it maketh nothinge againste vs, that this worde, Thou shalt not couet, is the seconde time repeted, for after that he had fyrste sette the house, then hee renteth the partes thereof, beginninge at the wyfe: whereby it playnely appeareth, that (as the Hebrues doe very well) it ought to bee reade in one whole sentence, and that God in effecte commaundeth, that all that euery man possesseth, shoulde remaine safe and vntouched, not onely from wronge and lust to defraude them, but also from the very leaste desyre that may moue oure myndes.
But now to what end the whole law tendeth, it shall not be hard §51to judge: that is, to the fulfilling of righteousness, that it might frame the life of man after the example of the pureness of God. For God hath therein so painted out his own nature, as if a man do perform in deeds that which is there commanded, he shall in a manner express an image of God in his life. Therefore when Moses meant to bring the sum thereof into the minds of the Israelites, he said:1 And now Israel, what doth the Lord thy God ask of thee, butte that thou fear the Lord, and walk in his ways? love him and serve him in all thy heart, and in all thy soul, and keep his commandments? And he ceased not still to sing the same song again unto them, so oft as he purposed to show the end of the law. The doctrine of the law hath such respect hereunto,