A17662:846
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.
We make the foundation of faith to be the free promise of God,§29 ⟨image 200⟩because faith properly stayeth upon it. For though faith do believe God to be true in all things, whether he command or forbid, whether he promise or threaten, and also obediently receiveth his commandments, and bewareth of things that he prohibiteth, and hath regard to his threatenings, yet properly it beginneth at the promise, and therein continueth, and thereupon endeth. For faith seeketh for life in God, which is not found in commandments or declarations of penalties, but in promise of mercy, and in no other promise, but such as is freely given. For the conditional promise, by which we are sent to our own works, doth no otherwise promise life, but if we perceive it to stand in our selves. Therefore if we will not have our faith to tremble and waver, we must stay it with that promise of salvation, which is willingly & liberally offered us of the lord, rather in respect of our misery,1 than of our worthiness. Wherefore the Apostle beareth this witness of the gospel, that it is the word of faith: which name he taketh both from the commandments and also from the promises of the law, because there is nothing that can stablish faith, but that liberal embassage, by which God reconcileth the world to himself. Therefore the same Apostle oftentimes maketh a relation of faith & the Gospel together,2 when he teacheth that the ministry of the gospel was committed to him unto the obedience of faith: that the same is the power of God, to salvation to every one that believeth: that in it is revealed the righteousness of God from faith to faith. And no marvel. For sith the gospel is the ministry of reconciliation,3 there is no other testimony sure enough of Gods good will toward us, the knowledge whereof faith requireth. Therefore when we say that faith must rest upon free promise, we do not deny but that the faithful do every way embrace and receive the word of God, but we appoint the promise of mercy to be the proper mark of faith. Even as the faithful ought in deed to acknowledge God to be the judge and punisher of wicked doings & yet they properly have regard unto his merciful kindness: