A17662:862
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 they allege that it is a point of rash presumption, to take upon us an undoubted knowledge of Gods will. I would in deed grant it unto them, if we did take so much upon us, that we would make the incomprehensible secret purpose of God subject to the slenderness of our wit.1 But when we simply say with Paul, that we have received not the spirit of this world, but the Spirit that is of God, by whose teaching we may know those things that are given us of God, what can they bark against it, but they must slanderously speak against the Spirit of God? But if it be a horrible robbery of God to accuse the revelation that cometh from him, either to be lying, or unassured or doubtful, what do we offend in affirming that it is assured? But they say, that this also is not without great presumptuousness, that we dare so glory of the Spirit of Christ. Who would think that their dullness were so great that would be counted masters of the world, that they so foully stumble in the first principles of religion? Surely I would not think it credible, unless their own writings that are abroad did testify it.2 Paul pronounceth that they only are the children of God, that are moved with his spirit: and these men would have them that be the children of God, to be moved with their own spirit, & to be without the Spirit of God. Paul teacheth that we call God our Father,3 as the holy ghost ministereth that word unto us, which only can bear witness to our spirit that we are the children of God: These men, although they forbid us not to call upon God, yet do take away his Spirit, by whose guiding he should have been rightly called upon. Paul denieth that they are the servants of Christ, that are not moved with the Spirit of Christ: these men feign a Christianity that needeth not the Spirit of Christ.4 Paul maketh no hope of the blessed resurrection, unless we feel the holy ghost abiding in us: they forge a hope without any such feeling. But peradventure the will answer, that they do not deny that we ought to be endued with it, but y• it is a point of modesty and humility not to acknowledge it.