A17662:65
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.
The .v. Chapter. ¶That the knowledge of God doeth shiningly appear in the making of the world and in the continual government thereof.
The .v. Chapter. ¶That the knowledge of God doeth shiningly appeare in the makyng of the world and in the continual gouernement thereof.
Moreover because the furthest end of blessed life standeth in the knowledge of God: that the way to felicity should be stopped to none, therefore God hath not only planted in the minds of men that seed of religion which we have spoken of, but also hath so disclosed him self in the whole workmanship of the world, and daily so manifestly presenteth himself, that men cannot open their eyes but they must needs behold him. His substance in deed is incomprehensible, so that his divine majesty far surmounteth all mens senses: but he hath in all his works graven certain marks of his glory, and those so plain and notably discernible, that the excuse of ignorance is taken away from men, be they never so gross and dull witted.1 Therefore the Prophet rightfully crieth out, that he is clothed with light as with a garment, as if he should have said, that then he first began to come forth to be seen in visible apparel, since the time that he first displayed his ensigns in the creation of the world, by which even now what way soever we turn our eyes he appeareth glorious unto us. In the same place also the same prophet aptly compareth the heavens as they be displayed abroad to his royal pavilion: he sayeth that he hath framed his parlours in the waters, that the clouds are his chariots, that he rideth upon the wings of the winds, that the winds and lightnings are his swift messengers. And because the glory of his power and wisdom doeth more fully shine above, therefore commonly the heaven is called his palace. And first of all, what way soever thou turn thy eyes, there is no piece of the world be it never so small, wherein are not seen at least some sparkles of his glory to shine. But as for this most large and beautiful frame, thou canst not with one view peruse the wide compass of it, but that thou must needs be on every side overwhelmed with the infinite force of the brightness thereof. Wherefore the author of the Epistle to the Hebrews doeth very well call the ages of the world the spectacles of invisible things,