A17662:662
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
Book 2 › Chapter 11: The xi Chapter. Of the difference of the one Testament from the other.
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.
That shall better appear by the similitude that Paul used to the §2Galatians.1 He compareth the nation of the Jews to an higher, within age, which being not yet able to govern him self, followeth the guiding of the tutor or schoolmaster, to whose custody he is committed. And whereas he applieth that similitude to the ceremonies, that nothing hindereth but that it may also very fitly serve to this purpose. The same inheritance was appointed for them, that was appointed for us: but such as yet for want of age, they were not of capacity to enter upon and use. The same Church was among them, but whereof the age was yet but childish. Therefore the Lord kept them under this schooling, that he gave them not the spiritual promises so naked and openly, but as it were shadowed with earthly promises. Therefore, where he called Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and their posterity unto hope of immortality, he promised them the land of Canaan to be their inheritance: not to determine their hopes upon it, but that in beholding of it, they should exercise and confirm them selves in the hope of that true inheritance that did not yet appear. And that they might not be deceived, there was given them a higher promise to testify, that that land was not the hiest benefit of God. So Abraham was not suffered to f•ye slothful in the promise received of the land, but his mind was with a greater promise raised up unto yt Lord. For Abraham heard this said unto him:2 I am thy protector, and thy reward exceeding great. Here we see, that Abraham hath the end of his reward ⟨image 156⟩set fourth in the Lord, that he should not account upon a transitory and slippery reward in the elements of this world, but rather think it to be such as can not wither away. Afterward he adjoineth the promise of the land to no other intent, but that it should be a token of the good will of God, & a figure of the heavenly inheritance. And that the holy men had this meaning, their own sayings do declare. So David riseth upward from temporal blessings, to that same highest and last blessing.3 My heart (saith he) and my flesh faint for desire of thee. God is my portion for ever. Again. The Lord is the part of my inheritance, and of my cup: thou art he that savest mine heritage for me. Again.