A17662:703
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.
But although the Apostle give this honour to the faithful only, to be of one with Christ, yet it followeth not, but that the wicked may be borne of the same original. As when we say that Christ was made man, to make us the sons of God: this saying extendeth not to all men, because faith is the mean which spiritually grafteth us into the body of Christ. Also they foolishly move a brawl about the name of First begotten.1 They say that Christ should have ben borne of Adam straight at the beginning, that he might be the first begotten among brethren. For the title of First begotten, is not referred to age, but to the degree of honour,2 and excellence of power. And more colour hath that which they babble, that Christ toke to him man and not Angels, because he received mankind into favour. For, to set out more largely the honour which God vouchsafed to give us, he compared the Angels with us, which were in this behalf set behind us. And if the testimony of Moses be well weighed, where he saith that the seed of the woman shall break the serpents head,3 it shall utterly end the controversy. For only Christ is not there spoken of, but all mankind. Because the victory was to be gotten by Christ for us, he generally pronounceth that the posterity of the woman should get the upper hand of the Devil. Whereupon followeth, that Christ issued of mankind, because it was Gods purpose there to raise up Eve, whom he spake unto with good hope, that she should not faint with sorrow.
But although the Apostle geue this honour to the faithful only, to be of one with Christ, yet it foloweth not, but that the wicked maye be borne of the same originall. As when we saye that Christ was made man, to make vs the sonnes of God: this sayeng extendeth not to all men, bicause fayth is the meane whiche spiritually graffeth vs into ye body of Christ. Also they foolishly moue a brawle about the name of First begottē.1 They saye that Christ should haue ben borne of Adam streight at the beginning, that he might be the first begotten among brethren. For the title of First begottē, is not referred to age, but to the degree of honour,