A17662:813
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.
I know that some think it hard, that we assign faith to the reprobate, whereas Paul affirmeth faith to be the fruit of election,1 which doubt yet is easily dissolved: for though none receive the light of faith, nor do truly feel the effectual working of the Gospel, but they that are foreordained to salvation: yet experience showeth that the reprobate are sometime moved with the same feeling that the elect are, so that in their own judgement they nothing differ from the elect. Wherefore it is no absurdity, that the Apostle ascribeth to them the taste of the heavenly gifts,2 that Christ ascribeth to them a faith for a time: not that they soundly perceive the spiritual force of grace and assured light of faith: but because the Lord, the more to con damn them and make them in excusable, conveyeth himself into their minds so far forth, as his goodness may be tasted without the spirit of adoption. If any object, that then there remaineth nothing more to the faithful whereby to prove certainly their adoption: I answer that though there be a great likeness and affinity between the elect of God, and them that are endued with a falling faith for a time, yet there liveth in the elect only that affiance which Paul speaketh of, that they cry with full mouth, Abba, Father. Therefore as God doth regenerate only the elect with incorruptible seed for ever, so that the seed of life planted in their hearts never perisheth: so soundly doth he seal in them the grace of his adoption, that it may be stable & sure. But this withstandeth not but that that other inferior working of the Spirit may have his course, even in the reprobate. In the mean season the faithful are taught, carefully and humbly to examine them selves, least in stead of assuredness of faith, do creep in careless confidence of the flesh. Beside that, the reprobate do never conceive but a confused feeling of grace, so that they rather take hold of the shadow than of the sound body, because the holy Spirit doth properly ⟨p. 113⟩seal the remission of sins in the elect only, so that they apply is by special faith to their use. But yet it is truly said, that the reprobate believe God to be merciful unto them, because they receive the gift of reconciliation, although confusedly and not plainly enough: