A17662:836
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.
Then, when he teacheth, that with fear and trembling we should §23work our own salvation,1 he requireth nothing else, but that we should accustom us with much abasing of our selves, reverently to look up unto the mightiness of God. For truly nothing doth so much awake us to cast all our confidence and assurance of mind upon the Lord, as doth the distrust of our selves and carefulness conceived by knowledge in conscience of our own wretchedness. And according to this meaning is that saying in the Prophet to be taken:2 In the multitude of thy goodness I will enter into thy temple: I will worship in fear. Where he comely conjoineth the boldness of faith that leaneth upon Gods mercy with a reverent fear, which we must needs feel so oft as coming into the sight of Gods majesty, we perceive by the glorious brightness thereof, how great is our own filthiness. And Solomon saith truly,3 where he pronounceth the man blessed, that continually maketh his own heart afraid, for by hardening thereof men fall headlong into evil. But such fear he meaneth as may make us more heedful, not such whereby we should be troubled and utterly fall: even such a fear as when the mind confounded in it self, doth recover it self again in God: when despairing it self, it reviveth by trust in him. Therefore there is no cause to the contrary, but that the faithful may at one time both be in fear, and also enjoy most assured comfort, in respect that sometime they turn their eyes to behold their own vanity, and sometime they cast the thought of their mind upon the truth of God. But how (will some man say) shall fear and faith dwell both in one mind? even thus, as contrarily unsensible dullness, and carefulness. For whereas the wicked travail to procure to themselves a want of grief, that no fear of God might trouble them, yet, the judgement of God so presseth them, that they can not attain that which they desire. So there is nothing to withstand, but that God may exercise them that be his to humility, that in fighting valiantly, ⟨image 198⟩they may restrain themselves under the bridle of modesty.