A17662:632
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.
By the same reason followeth, both that it stood upon the free §4mercy of God, and also was confirmed by the mean of Christ. For the very preaching of the gospel pronounceth no other thing, but that sinners are justified by the fatherly kindness of God, without their owned deserving: and the whole sum thereof is fulfilled in Christ. Who then dare make the Jews without Christ, with whom we hear that the covenant of the gospel was made, whereof Christ is the only foundation? Who dare make them strangers from the benefit of free salvation, to whom we hear that the doctrine of the righteousness of faith was ministered? But, that we dispute not long of an evident matter,1 we have a notable sentence of the Lord. Abraham rejoiced that he might see my day, he saw it & was glad. And the same thing which Christ there testifieth of Abraham, the Apostle showeth that it was universal in the faithful people,2 when he saith, that Christ abideth, yesterday, this day, and for ever. For he speaketh not there only of the eternal godhead of Christ, but also of his power, which was continually opened to the faithful. Wherefore both the blessed Virgin and Zechariah in their songs,3 do say, that the salvation revealed in Christ, is the performance of the promises, which God in old time had made to Abraham and the Patriarchs. If the Lord in giving his Christ, discharged his old oath, it can not be said but that the end thereof was alway in Christ, and everlasting life.
By the same reason foloweth, bothe that it stoode vpon the free §4mercie of God, and also was confirmed by the meane of Christ. For the very preachyng of the gospell pronoūceth no other thing, but that sinners are iustified by the fatherly kindenesse of God, without their owned deseruyng: and the whole summe thereof is fulfilled in Christ. Whoe then dare make the Iewes without Christ, with whome we heare that the couenant of the gospell was made, whereof Christ is the only fundation? Whoe dare make them strangers from the benefite of free saluatiō, to whom we heare that the doctrine of the righteousnesse of fayth was ministred? But, that we dispute not longe of an euident matter,