A17662:802
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.
There was therefore a true faith in them, but an unexpressed faith, because they reverently embraced Christ for their only teacher, and then being taught of him, they determined that he was the author of their salvation: finally, they believed that he came from heaven, by the grace of his father to gather his Disciples to heaven. And we need not to seek any more familiar proof hereof than this, that in all things alway unbelief is mingled with faith.
There was therefore a true fayth in them, but an vnexpressed faythe, bicause they reuerently embraced Christe for their onely teacher, and then beynge taught of him, they determined that he was the author of their saluation: fynally, they beleued that he came from heauen, by the grace of his father to gather his Disciples to heauen. And we neede not to seke any more familiar poofe hereof than this, that in al thinges alway vnbelefe is mingled with faith.
We may also call it an unexpressed faith, which yet in deed is nothing but a preparation of faith. The Evangelists do rehearse that many believed, which only being ravished to admiration with miracles proceeded no further but that Christ was the Messiah which had ben promised, albeit they tasted not so much as any slender learning of the Gospel. Such obedience which brought them in subjection willingly to submit them selves to Christ, beareth the name of faith ⟨p. 110⟩where it was in deed but the beginning of faith. So the courtier that believed Christs promise, concerning the healing of his son, when he came home,1 as the Evangelist testifieth, believed again: because he received as an oracle that which he heard of the mouth of Christ, and then submitted him self to his authority to receive his doctrine. Albeit it is to be known, that he was so tractable and ready to learn, that yet in the first place the word of believing signifieth a particular belief: and in the second place maketh him of the number of the Disciples, that professed to be the scholars of Christ. Alike example doth John set forth in the Samaritans, which so believed the woman's report,