A17662:649
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.
Neither may we otherwise take those things, that he commonly §16speaketh of the prosperous success of the faithful, but to apply them to the open showing of the heavenly glory. As these sayings: The Lord keepeth the souls of the righteous,1 he shall deliver them from the hand of the sinner. Light is arisen to the righteous, and joy to the upright in heart.2 The righteousness of the Godly man abideth for ever: his horn shall be exalted in glory, the desire of the sinner shall perish. Again: but the righteous shall confess unto thy name, the upright shall dwell with thy countenance. Again the righteous shall be in eternal remembrance Again. The Lord shall redeem the souls of his servants. For the Lord oftentimes leaveth his servants to the lust of the wicked, not only to be vexed, but also to be torn in pieces and destroyed: he suffereth the good to lye languishing in darkness and filth, while the wicked do in a manner shine among the stars. And he doth not so cheer them with the brightness of his countenance, that they enjoy long continuing gladness. Wherefore even he also hideth not, that if the faithful fasten their eyes upon the present state of things, they shall be stricken with a sore temptation, as though there were no favour or reward of innocency with God. So much doth wickedness for the most part prosper & flourish, while the company of the Godly is oppressed with shame,3 poverty, contempt and all kinds of crosses. It wanted but little (saith he) that my foot slipped not, and my steppes fell not abroad, while the fortune of fools grieveth me, and while I see the prosperity of the wicked. At length after rehearsal of it he concludeth. I bent my thought, if I could understand these things. But it is torment to my spirit, till I enter into the sanctuary of the Lord, and understand the last end of them.
Neither may we otherwyse take those thynges, that he commonly §16speaketh of the prosperous successe of the faithfull, but to applie them to ye open shewing of ye heauenly glorie. As these saienges: The Lorde kepeth the soules of the righteous,