A17662:61
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.
therefore it is certain that there reigneth in them a brutish forgetfulness of God, so long as that blind pang of rage doeth so forcibly carry them.
therfore it is certayn that there reigneth in theim a brutisshe forgetfulnesse of God, so longe as that blinde pang of rage dooeth so forcibly cary them.
So is that vain defence overthrown which many are wont to pretend for excuse of their superstition. For they think, that any devotion §3to religion sufficeth, what soever it be, though it be never so much contrary to order and truth. But they consider not, that true religion ought to be framed according to the will of God, as by a perpetual rule: and that God himself abideth alway like him self, and is no imagined Ghost or fantasy, that may be diversly fashioned after every mans liking. And truly we may plainly see with how lying deceits, superstition mocketh God, while she goeth about to do him pleasure. For catching hold of those things in a manner only, which God hath testified that he careth not for, she either contemptuously useth, or openly refuseth those things that he appointeth, and saith to be pleasant unto him. Therefore whosoever do set up new invented forms of worshipping God, they worship and honour their own doting devises: because they durst not so trifle with God, unless they had first feigned a God, agreeing with the follies of their trifling toys. Wherefore the Apostle pronounceth,1 that that unstayed and wandering opinion of the majesty of God, is a very ignorance of God. When (saith he) ye knew not God ye served them, that in nature were no gods. And in an other place he saith:2 That the Ephesians were without a God at such time as they strayed from the right knowledge of the one God. And at least in this case, it differeth not much whether thou believe one god or many, because in both cases thou departest from and forsakest the true God: whom when thou hast ones forsaken, there is nothing left with thee but a detestable idol. It followeth therefore, that we must determine with Lactantius, that there is no lawfully allowable religion, but that which is joined with truth.