A17662:856
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.
When the Apostles were so taught by his Godly mouth, yet the Spirit of truth must be sent unto them, to pour into their minds that same doctrine which they had heard with their ears. The word of God is like unto the sun that shineth unto all them to whom it is preached, but to no profit among blind men. But we are all in this behalf blind by nature, therefore it can not pierce into our mind but by the inward master the holy ghost, making by his enlightening an entry for it.
When ye Apostles weare so taughte by his Godly mouth, yet the Spirit of truth must be sent vnto them, to poure into their mindes yt same doctrine whiche they had hearde with their eares. The worde of God is like vnto the sunne that shineth vnto all them to whome it is preached, but to no profit amonge blinde men. But we are al in this behalfe blind by nature, therfore it can not pearce into our minde but by the inward master the holy ghoste, making by his enlightning an entrie for it.
In an other place, when we had to entreat of the corruption of nature,§35 we have more largely showed how unfit men are to believe. Therefore I will not weary the readers with repeating the same again.1 Let this be sufficient that the spirit of faith, is called of Paul faith it self, which the spirit giveth us, but not which we have naturally. Therefore he prayeth that god fulfil in the Thessalonians all his good pleasure,2 & the work of faith in power. Wherein calling faith the work of God, & giving it that title for a name of addition, & calling it by figure of apposition Gods good pleasure, he denieth that it is of mans own motion: & not contented therewith he addeth further, that it is a declaration of Gods power: writing to the Corinthians, where he saith, that faith hangeth not upon the wisdom of men, but is grounded upon the power of the holy ghost. He speaketh in deed of outward miracles: but because the reprobate are blind