A17662:607
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.
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,2 that it joineth man, or as Moses in an other place termeth it, maketh man to stick fast to his God in holiness of life. Now the perfection of that holiness consisteth in the two principal points already rehearsed, That we love the Lord God withal our heart, all our soul, and all our strength,3 and our neighbour as our selves. And the first in deed is, that our soul be in all parts filled with the love of God. From that by and by of it self fourth floweth the love of our neighbour. Which thing the Apostle showeth when he writeth,4 that the end of the law is Love out of a pure conscience, and a faith not feigned. You see how, as it were, in the head is set conscience and faith unfeigned, that is to say in one word true Godliness, and that from thence is charity deceived. Therefore he is deceived, whosoever thinketh that in the law are taught only certain rudiments and first Introductions of righteousness, wherewith men became to be taught their first schooling, butte not yet directed to the true mark of good works: whereas beyond that sentence of Moses and this of Paul, you can desire nothing as wanting of the highest perfection. For how far, I pray you, will he ⟨image 143⟩