A17662:681
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. xii. Chapter. ¶That it behoved, that Christ, to perform the office of the Mediator, should be made man.
The. xii. Chapter. ¶That it behoued, that Christ, to performe the office of the Mediatour, should be made man.
Now, it much behoved us that he should be both God and §1man, which should be our Mediator. If a man ask of the necessity, it was not in deed a simple or absolute necessity, as they commonly call it, but it proceeded from the heavenly decree, whereupon hanged all the salvation of men. But the most merciful father appointed that which should be best for us. For whereas our own iniquities had, as it were, cast a cloud between him and us, and utterly excluded us from the kingdom of heaven, no man could be the interpreter for restoring of our peace, but he that could attain unto God. But who could have attained unto him? could any of the sons of Adam? But all they did with their father shun the sight of God for fear. Could any of the Angels? but they also had need of a head, by whose knitting together they might perfectly and unseverably cleave unto God. What then? It was past all hope, unless the very majesty of God would descend unto us, for we could not ascend unto it. So it behoved that the son of God should become for us Immanuel, that is, God with us: and that in this sort, that by mutual joining, his godhead and the nature of man might grow into one together. Otherwise neither could the nearness be near enough, nor the alliance strong enough for us to hope by, that God dwelleth with us. So great was the disagreement between our filthiness, and the most pure cleanness of God. Although man had stand undefiled without any spot, yet was his estate to base to ⟨image 161⟩