A17662:792
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.
And here it shall be profitable to note, with what titles the Scripture §3setteth out the holy Spirit, where it entreateth of beginning ⟨image 187⟩and whole restoring of our salvation. First he is a called the Spirit of adoption, because he is a witness unto us of the free goodwill of God, wherewith God the Father hath embraced us in his beloved only begotten Son, that he might be a father unto us, and doth encourage us to pray boldly, yea and doth minister us words to cry with out fear Abba,1 Father: by the same reason he is called the earnest pledge, and seal of our inheritance, because he so giveth life from heaven to us wandering in the world, and being like to dead men, that we may be assured that our soul is in safeguard under the faithful keeping of God: for which cause he is also called life, by reason for righteousness. And forasmuch as by his secret watering he maketh us fruitful to bring forth the buds of righteousness,2 he is oftentimes called water,3 as in Isaiah: All ye that thirst come to the waters. Again: I will pour out my spirit upon the thirsty, and floods upon the dry land: wherewith agreeth that saying of Christ, which I did even now allege: If any thirst, let him come to me. Albeit sometime he is so called, by reason of his power to purge and cleanse, as in Ezekiel where the Lord promiseth clean waters wherewith he will wash his people from filthiness. And forasmuch as he restoreth & nourisheth into lively quickness, them upon whom he hath poured the liquor of his grace, he is therefore called by the name of oil and anointment.4 Again because in continually seething out and burning up the vices of our lust, he setteth our hearts on fire with the love of God and zeal of godliness,5 he is also for this effect worthily called fire. Finally he is described unto us as a fountain, from whence do flow unto us all heavenly richesse, or the hand of God, wherewith he useth his power: because by the breathe of his power he so breatheth divine life into us, that we are not now stirred by our selves, but ruled by his stirring and moving: so that if there be any good things in us, they be the fruits of his grace: but our own gifts without him, be darkness of mind and perverseness of heart.