A17662:816
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.
Also, though faith be a knowledge of Gods kindness toward §12us, and an assured persuasion of the truth thereof: yet it is no marvel that the feeling of Gods love in temporal things doth vanish away: which although it have an affinity with faith, yet doth it much differ from faith. I grant, the will of God is unchangeable, and the truth thereof doth alway steadfastly agree with it self, but I deny that the reprobate do proceed so far as to attain unto that secrete revelation, which the Scripture sayeth to belong to the elect only. Therefore I deny that they do either conceive the will of God as it is unchangeable, or do steadfastly embrace the truth thereof, because they abide in a feeling that vanisheth away: Like as a tree that is not planted deep enough to take lively roots, in process of time waxeth dry, although for a few years it bringeth forth not only blossoms and leaves, but also fruit. Finally, as by the fall of the first man, the Image of God might have been blotted out of his mind and soul, so it is no marvel, if God do shine upon the reprobate with certain beams of his grace, which afterward he suffereth to be quenched. And there is no cause to the contrary, but that he may lightly over wash some, and throughly soak other some with the knowledge of his Gospel. This is in the mean time to be holden for truth, that how small and weak so ever saith he in the elect, yet because it is to them a sure pledge of the Spirit of God, and a seal of their adoption, the print thereof can never be blotted out of their hearts: as for the reprobate, that they are over spread with such a light as afterward cometh to nought. And yet the Spirit is not deceitful, because he giveth not life to ⟨image 193⟩the seed that he casteth in their hearts, to make it abide always incorruptible, as he doth in the elect. I go yet further, for whereas it is evident by the teaching of the Scripture and by daily experience, that the reprobate are sometime touched with the feeling of Gods grace, it must needs be that there is raised in their hearts a certain desire of mutual love. So for a time there lived in Saul a godly affection to love God, by whom he knew himself to be fatherly handled, and therefore was delighted with a certain sweetness of his goodness.
Also, though fayth bee a knowledge of Gods kindenesse toward §12