A17662:732
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.
That, as we have said, the force and profit of the kingdom of Christ can not otherwise be perceived by us, but when we know it ⟨p. 93⟩to be spiritual, appeareth sufficiently though it were but by this, that while we must live in warfare under the cross, during the whole course of our life, our estate is hard and miserable: what then should it profit us to be gathered together under the dominion of a heavenly king, unless we were certain to envy the fruit thereof out of the state of this earthly life? And therefore it is to be known, that whatsoever felicity is promised us in Christ, it consisteth not in outward commodities, that we should lead a merry and quiet life, flourish in wealth, be assured from all harms, & flow full of those delightful things that the flesh is wont to desire, but that it wholly belongeth to the heavenly life. But as in the world the prosperous & desired state of the people is partly maintained by plenty of good things and peace at home, and partly by strong forcible defences, whereby it may be safe against outward violence: so Christ also doth enrich his with all things necessary to eternal salvation of souls, and fortifieth them with strength, by which they may stand invincible against all assaults of spiritual enemies. Whereby we gather, that he reigneth more for us than for himself, and that both within & without: that being furnished, so far as God knoweth to be expedient for us, with the gifts of the spirit, whereof we are naturally empty, we may by these first fruits perceive that we are truly joined to God unto perfect blessedness. And then, that bearing us bold upon the power of the same spirit, we may not doubt that we shall alway have the victory against the Devil, the world, and every kind of hurtful thing.1 To this purpose tendeth the a unswer of Christ to the Pharisees, that because the kingdom of God is with in us, it shall not come with observation. For it is likely that because he professed that he was the same king, under whom the sovereign blessing of God was to be hoped for, they in scorn required him to show fourth his signs. But he, because they (who otherwise are to much bent to the earth) should not foolishly rest upon worldly pomps, biddeth them to enter into their own consciences,2 because the kingdom of God is righteousness, peace and joy in the holy ghost.