A17662:844
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.
Now we understand that in the good will of God, whereunto faith is §28said to have respect, the possession of salvation and eternal life is obtained. For if we can want no good thing while God is favourable unto us, it abundantly sufficeth us to the assuredness of salvation, when he himself doth assure us of his love.1 Let him show his face (saith the Prophet) & we shall be safe. Whereupon the Scriptures determine this to be the sum of our salvation, that God putting away all enmities, hath received us into favour. Whereby they show, that when God is reconciled unto us, there remaineth no peril, but that all things shall prosper well with us. Therefore faith, having taken hold of the love of God, hath promises of the present life and of the life to come, & perfect assuredness of all good things: but that same such as may be gathered out of the word of God. For faith doth not certainly promise to it self either the length or honour or wealth of this life, forasmuch as God willed none of these things to be appointed unto us, but is contented with this assuredness, that God will never fail how so ever many things fail us that pertain to the maintenance of this present life. But the chief assuredness of faith resteth in expectation of the life to come, which is set out of doubt by the word of God. But what so ever miseries and calamities betide unto them whom God loveth, they can not work the contrary, but that his good will is perfect felicity. Therefore when we did mean to express the sum of blessedness, we named the favour of God, out of which spring do flow unto us all kinds of good things. And this we may commonly note throughout the Scriptures, that when so ever mention is made not only of eternal salvation, but also of any good thing in us, we be alway called back to the love of God.2 For which cause David sayeth, that the goodness of God when it is felt in a godly heart, is sweeter and more to be desired than life it self. Finally, if all things else do flow unto us according to our own wishing, and we be uncertain of Gods love or hatred, our felicity shall be accursed, and therefore miserable. But if the favourable face of God do shine unto us, even our very miseries shall be blessed,3 because they are turned to helps of our salvation.