A17662:875
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.
Some other, because they saw this word diversly taken in Scripture, have made two sorts of Repentance: and because they would make them differently known by some mark, the have called the one Repentance of the Law, by which the sinner wounded with the searing iron of sin, and worn away with fear of the wrath of God, sticketh fast in that trouble & can not wind himself out of it. The other Repentance they call of the Gospel, by which the sinner is in deed grievously vexed with himself, but he riseth up higher & taketh hold of Christ, the salve of his sore, the comfort of his fear, the haven of his misery. Of the repentance of the law they putt those examples:1 Cain, Saul, & Judas. Whose repentance when the Scripture rehearseth unto us, it meaneth that they acknowledging the grievousness of their sin, were afraid of the wrath of God, but in thinking upon God only as a revenger & judge, they fainted in that feeling. Therefore their repentance was nothing else but a certain entry of hell, whereinto they being entered in this present life began already to suffer punishment, from the face of the wrath of Gods majesty. The repentance of the Gospel, we see in all them, that being galled with the spur of sin in themselves, but recomforted & refreshed with confidence of the mercy of God, are turned unto the lord.2 Hezekiah was stricken with fear, when he received the message of death: but he prayed weeping, and looking unto the goodness of God, he toke again good confidence unto him. The Ninevites were troubled with the horrible threatening of destruction.3 But they clothed them selves in sackcloth and ashes & prayed, hoping that the Lord might be turned to them, & turned from the furor of his wrath. David confessed that he had to much sinned in numbering the people:4 but he said further, Lord take away the wickedness of thy servant. He acknowledged his offence of adultery,5 when Nathan rebuked him, & did cast himself down before the Lord, but therewithal he also looked for pardon. Such was the repentance of them that at the preaching of Peter were pricked in their heart: but trusting upon the goodness of God,