A17662:751
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.
Christ (sayeth he) redeemed us from the curse of the law, when he was made a curse for us. For it is written: Accursed is every one that hangeth on the tree: that the blessing of Abraham might in Christ come to the Gentiles. And the same had Peter respect unto, where he teacheth that Christ did bear our sins upon the tree.1 Because by the very token of the curse we do more plainly learn that the burden wherewith we were oppressed was laid upon him. And yet it is not so to be understanded, that he toke upon him such a curse, wherewith himself was overladen, but rather that in taking it upon him, he did tread down, break and destroy the whole force of it. And so faith conceiveth acquittal in the condemnation of Christ, and blessing in his being accursed. Wherefore Paul doth not without a cause honourably report• the triumph that Christ obtained to himself on the cross, as if the cross which was full of shame, had ben turned into a Chariot of triumph.2 For he saith, that the hand writing which was against us, was fastened to the cross, and the Princely powers were spoiled and led openly.3 And no marvel: because (as the other Apostle testifieth) Christ offered up himself by the eternal spirit. And thereupon proceeded that turning of the nature of things. But that these things may take steadfast root, and be throughly settled in our hearts, let us alway think upon his sacrifice and washing. For we could not certainly believe that Christ was the ransom, redemption, and satisfaction, unless he had ben a sacrificed host. And therefore there is so often mention made of blood, where the Scripture showeth the manner of our redeeming. Albeit the blood of Christ that was shed, served not only for sacrifice, but also in stead of washing, to cleanse away our filthiness.
Christe (sayeth he) redemed vs from the curse of the lawe, when he was made a curse for vs. For it is wrytten: Accursed is euery one that hangeth on the tree: that the blessynge of Abraham mighte in Christe come to the Gentiles. And the same had Peter respect vnto, where he teacheth that Christ dyd beare our sinnes vpon the tree.1