The Institution of Christian Religion

Because it pleased God in the old time not vainly by expiations §1and sacrifices to declare himself a Father, and not in vain he did consecrate a chosen people to himself even then without doubt he was known in the same image, wherein he now appeareth to us with full brightness. Therefore Malachi,¹ after that he had bidden the Jews to take heed to the law of Moses, & to continue in study thereof, (because after his death there should come a certain interruption of the office of the Prophets) did forthwith declare, that there should arise a sun of righteousness. In which words he teacheth, that the law availeth to this purpose to hold the godly in expectation of Christ to come: but yet that there was much more light to be hoped for, when he should be come in deed.² For this reason doth Peter say, that the Prophets did make search, and diligently enquire, of the salvation that is now opened by the Gospel: and that it was revealed unto them, that they should minister, not to themselves, nor to their own age but unto us, those things that are declared by the Gospel. Not that their doctrine was unprofitable to the people in old time, or nothing availed themselves: but because they enjoyed not the treasure which God sent unto us by their hand. For at this day the grace whereof they testified, is familiarly set before our eyes. And whereas they did but a little sip of it, there is offered unto us a more plentiful enjoying thereof. Therefore Christ himself, which affirmeth that he had witness borne him by Moses, yet extolleth the measure of grace whereby we excel the Jews. For speaking to the Disciples,