The Institution of Christian Religion

Hereby we are briefly taught, what the kingdom of Christ availeth us. For, because it is not earthly or fleshly, subject to corruption, but spiritual: he lifteth us up even to eternal life, that we may patiently pass over this life in miseries, hunger, cold contempt, reproaches, and other grieves, contented with this one thing, that our king will never leave us destitute, but succour us in our necessities, till having ended our war, we be called to triumph. For such is his manner of reigning, to communicate with us all that he hath received of his father. Now whereas he armeth and furnisheth us with power, and garnisheth us with beauty & magnificence, enricheth us with wealth: hereby is ministered unto us most plentiful matter to glory upon, & also bold courage to fight without fear against the Devil, sin and death. Finally, that clothed with his righteousness, we may valiantly overcome all the reproaches of the world, and as he liberally filleth us with his gifts, so we again for our part, may bring forth fruit to his glory.

Hereby we are breefely taughte, what the kingedome of Christ auayleth vs. For, bycause it is not earthly or fleshly, subiecte to corruption, but spirituall: he lifteth vs vp euen to eternall lyfe, that we maie patienth passe ouer this life in miseries, hunger, cold cōtempt, reproches, and other greues, contented with this one thinge, that oure king will neuer leaue vs destitute, but succoure vs in oure necessities, till hauing ended oure warre, we be called to triumph. For suche is his manner of reigning, to communicate with vs all that he hathe rec•iued of his father. Nowe whereas he armeth and furnisheth vs wyth power, and garnisheth vs with beautie & magnificens, enricheth vs with wealth: hereby is ministred vnto vs moste plentyfull matter to glorie vpon, & also bold courage to fight without feare against the Deuell, sinne and death. Finally, yt clothed wt hys righteousnes, wee may valiantly ouercome al the reproches of ye world, and as he liberally filleth vs with his giftes, so we againe for oure parte, may bring forth frute to his glorye.

Therefore his kingly anointing is set forth unto us, not done with oil or ointments made with spices, but he is called the anointed of god, because upon him hath rested the spirit of wisdom, understanding, counsel, strength and fear of God. This is the oil of gladness, wherewith the