A17662:725
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 .xv Chapter. That we may know, to what end Christ was sent of his Father, and what he brought us: three things are principally to be considered in him, his Prophetical office, his Kingdom, and his Priesthood.
The .xv Chapter. That we maie knowe, to what ende Christ was sent of his Father, and what he brought vs: three thinges are principally to be considered in him, hys Propheticall office, his Kingdome, and his Preesthoode.
Augustine saith rightly, that although the Heretics do brag of the name of Christ, yet they have not all one foundation with the godly,1 but that it remaineth only proper to the Church. For if these things be diligently considered that belong to Christ. Christ shall be found among them only in name, & not in very deed. So at this day the Papists, although the name of the Son of God, redeemer of the world, sound in their mouth: yet because being contented with vain pretence of the name, they spoil him of his power and dignity: this saying of Paul may be well spoken of them,2 that they have not the head. Therefore, that faith may find sound matter of salvation in Christ, and so rest in him, this principle is to be stablished, that the office which is committed to him by his Father, consisteth of three parts. For he is given both a Prophet, a King, and a Priest. Albeit, it were but small profit to know those names, without knowledge of the end and use of them. For they are also named among the Papists, but coldly and to no great profit, where it is not known what each of these titles containeth in it. We have said before, how, though God sending Prophets by continual course one after an other did never leave his people destitute of profitable doctrine, and such as was sufficient to salvation: that yet the minds of the godly had alway this persuasion, that full light of understanding was to be hoped for only at the coming of Messiah: yea and the opinion thereof was come, even to the Samaritans, who yet never knew the true religion, as appeareth by the saying of the woman: