A17662:849
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.
But hereupon again we gather that which we have before declared,§31 that faith doth no less need the word than the fruit doth need the lively root of the tree,1 because none other (as David testifieth) can trust in the Lord, but they that know his name. But this knowledge is not according to every mans imagination, but so far as God himself is witness of his own goodness. Which the same Prophet confirmeth in an other place,2 saying: Thy salvation is according to thy word. Again. I have trusted in thy word, save me. Where is to be noted the relation of faith to the word, & then how salvation followeth. And yet in the mean time we do not exclude the power of God, with beholding whereof, unless faith sustain it self, it can never give unto God his due honour.3 Paul seemeth to rehearse a certain slender & common thing of Abraham, that he believed that God which had promised him the blessed seed, was able to perform it. Again in an other place,4 speaking of himself: I know whom I have believed, and I am sure that he is able to keep that which I have left with him until that da•e. But if a man weigh with himself how many doubtings of the power of God do oftentimes creep into mans mind, he shall well perceive that they which do highly esteem it as it is worthy, have not a little profited in faith. We all will confess that God is able to do whatsoever he will, but when even the least tentation throweth us down with fear, and amaseth us with horror, thereby appeareth plainly, that we diminish the estimation of Gods power, when we prefer above it those things, that Satan threateneth against Gods promises. This is the reason why Isaiah, meaning to print into the hearts of the people the assuredness of salvation, doth so honourably entreateth of the infinite power of God. It seemeth oft that so soon as he hath begun to speak of the hope of pardon and reconciliation, he by and by turneth to an other thing, and wandereth about in long & superfluous circumstances, rehearsing how marvellously the Lord governeth the frame of heaven and earth and the whole order of nature: yet is there nothing that serveth not fitly for the circumstance of the matter that he speaketh of.