A17662:927
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 that the matter may be made the plainer & easier, first we will §9faithfully rehearse, what kind of confession is taught by the word of God: & then we will also declare their inventions, but not all (for who could draw dry such an infinite sea?) but only those, wherein they comprehend the some of their secret confession. Here I am loth to rehearse how oft the old translator hath given in translation this word Confess in stead of Praise: which the grossest unlearned men commonly know: saving that it is good to have their presumptuousness bewrayed, y• do give away that which was written of the praises of God, to their own tyrannical commandment. To prove that confession availeth to cheer the minds they thrust in that place of the Psalm:1 In the voice of rejoicing & confession. But if such change may serve, then we shall have what we list, proved by what we list. But seeing they are so become past shame, let the godly readers remember that by the just vengeance of God they have ben cast into a reprobate mind, that their presumption should be the more detestable. But if we will rest in the simple doctrine of the Scripture, we shall not be in danger of any such deceits to beguile us. For therein is appointed one order of confessing, that for as much as it is the Lord that forgiveth, forgetteth, & putteth away sins, therefore we should confess our sins to him for to obtain pardon, he is the Physician, therefore let us show our diseases unto him. It is he that is grieved & offended, therefore let us seek peace at his hand. He is the knower of hearts, and privy to all thoughts, therefore let us make haste to pour out our hearts before him. Finally it is he that calleth sinners, therefore let us not delay to come to him.2 I have (saith David) made my sin known unto thee, & have not hidden my unrighteousness. I have said, I will confess against me my unrighteousness to the Lord, & thou hast forgiven the wickedness of my heart. Such is the other confession of David. ⟨image 220⟩Then, that even they that use it for their need, should not be compelled by any commandment, or trained by any deceit, to reckon up all their sins, but so far as they shall think it behovefull for them, that they may receive sound fruit of comfort.