A17662:786
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 first Chapter. That those things which are spoken of Christ, do profit us by secret working of the holy Ghost.
The fyrste Chapter. That those thinges which are spoken of Christ, do profite vs by secret working of the holy Ghoste.
Now it is to be seen how those good things do come unto us, which the Father hath given to his only begotten Son, not for his own private use, but to enrich them that were without them & needed them. And first this is to be learned, that so long as Christ is out of us, and we be severed from him, whatsoever he suffered or did for the salvation of mankind, is unprofitable and nothing availeth for us. Therefore that he may enterparten with us those things that he hath received of his Father, it behoveth that he become ours,1 and dwell in us. And for that cause he is called our head, and the first begotten among many brethren: and on the other side it is said, that we are grafted into him, and did put on him. For (as I have before said) all that ever he possesseth belongeth nothing to us, until we grow together into one with him. But although it be true that we obtain this by faith: yet forasmuch as we see that not all without difference do embrace this enterpartening of Christ, which is offered by the Gospel, therefore very reason teacheth us to climb up higher, and to enquire of the secret effectual working of the Spirit, by which it is brought to pass, that we enjoy Christ and all his good things. I have before entreated of the eternal godhead and essence of the Spirit, at this present let us be content with this one special article, that Christ so came in water and blood that the Spirit should testify of him, lest the salvation that he hath purchased, should slip away from us. For as there are alleged three witnesses in heaven,2 the Father, the Word and the Spirit, so are there also three in earth, Water, Blood & the Spirit. And not without cause is the testimony of the Spirit twice repeated, which we feel to be engraven in our hearts in stead of a seal: whereby cometh to pass, that it sealeth the washing and sacrifice of Christ. After which meaning Peter also saith, that the faithful are chosen in sanctification of the spirit unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Christ.