The Institution of Christian Religion

And truly it is likely that this article was taken out of the sermon of Peter,¹ which Luke reciteth, and out of the solemn protestation of Paul to Timothy.

And truely it is likely that this article was taken out of the sermon of Peter,¹ whiche Luke reciteth, and out of the solemne protestation of Paule to Timothee.

1. 1Act. x.xlij. ii. Ti. iiii.i

Hereupon ariseth a singular comfort, when we hear that he is §18judge, which hath already appointed us partners with him in judging: so far is it of, that he will go up into the judgement seat to condemn us. For how should the most merciful prince destroy his own people? how should the head scatter abroad his own members? how should the patron condemn his own clients?¹ For if the Apostle dare cry out, that while Christ is intercessor for us, there can none come forth that can condemn us: it is much more true, that Christ himself being our intercessor, will not condemn them whom he hath received into his charge and tuition. It is truly no small assuredness, that we shall be brought before no other judgement seat, but of our own redeemer, from whom our salvation is to be looked for: moreover that he which now by the Gospel promiseth eternal blessedness, shall then by sitting in judgement perform his promise.² Therefore to this end the father hath honoured the son, in giving him all judgement, that so he hath provided for the consciences of them that he his, trembling for fear of the judgement. Hitherto I have followed the order of the Apostles Creed, because whereas it shortly in few words containeth the chief articles of our redemption, it may serve us for a table, wherein we do distinctly and severally see those things that are in Christ worthy to be taken heed unto. I call it the Apostles Creed, not carefully regarding who were the author of it. It is truly by great consent of the old writers ascribed to the Apostles, either because they thought that it was by common travail written and set out by the Apostles, or for that they judged that this abridgement being faithfully gathered out of the doctrine, delivered by the hands of the Apostles, was worthy to be confirmed with such a title. And I take it for no doubt, that whence so ever it proceeded at the first, it hath even from the first beginning of the church, and from the very time of the Apostles, be used as a public confession, and received by consent of all men. And it is likely that it was not privately written by any one man, forasmuch as it is evident that even from the farthest age it hath alway continued of sacred authority and credit among all the godly.