A17662:860
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.
Neither yet have I forgotten that which I said before, the remembrance whereof experience continually reneweth, that is, that faith is tossed with diverse doubtings, so that the minds of the godly are seldom quiet, or at least do not alway enjoy a peaceable state: but with what soever engine they be shaken, either they rise ⟨p. 124⟩up out of the very gulf of temptations, or do abide fast in their standing. Truly this assuredness only nourisheth and defendeth faith, when we hold fast that which is said in the Psalm:1 The Lord is our protection, our help in trouble, therefore we will not fear, when the earth shall tremble, and the mountains shall leap into the heart of the sea. Also this most sweet quietness is spoken of in an other place: I lay down and slept,2 and rose again, because the Lord hath sustained me. It is not meant thereby that David was alway with one undisturbed course framed to a merry cheerfulness: but in respect that he tasted the grace of God,3 according to his proportion of faith, therefore he glorieth that he without fear despiseth all that ever might disquiet the peace of his mind. Therefore the Scripture meaning to exhort us to faith, biddeth us to be quiet. In Isaiah it is said: In hope and silence shall be your strength. In the Psalm: Hold thee still in the Lord, and wait for him. Wherewith agreeth that saying of the Apostle to the Hebrews: Patience is needful. &c.
Neither yet haue I forgotten that whyche I sayde before, the remembrance whereof experience continually reneweth, that is, that faithe is tossed wyth dyuerse doubtynges, so that the myndes of the godly are seldome quyet, or at least doe not alwaie enioye a peafable state: but wyth what soeuer engine they be shaken, either thei rise ⟨p. 124⟩vp out of the very gulfe of temptations, or do abide faste in their standing. Truely thys assurednesse onely nourisheth and defendeth faithe, when we holde fast that whiche is saide in the Psalme: