A17662:942
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.
Where the Consessionars allege for this purpose the power of the §20keys, and do thereupon set the peupe and prore of their kingdom, as the proverb is: it is to be seen how much they ought to avail. Then (say they) are the keys given without cause? Is it said without cause:1 Whatsoever you loose upon earth, ⟨image 223⟩shall be also loosed in heaven? Do we then make the word of Christ void? I answer there was a weighty cause why the keys should be given, as both I have even now already declared, and shall more plainly show again when I come to entreat of Excommunication. But what if I do with one sword cut of the hold of all that they require, that is with saying, that sacrificing priests are not the vicars nor successors of the Apostles? But this shall also be to be entreated of in an other place: but now they raise up an engine whereby they would most of all defend themselves, and thereby may all their buildings be overthrown. For Christ did not give his Apostles the power to bind & loose, before that he gave them the holy ghost. Therefore I say, that none have the power of the keys that have not first received the holy ghost. I deny that any man can use the keys, but having the holy ghost going before & teaching him & informing him what is to be done. They trifling say, that they have the holy ghost: but in deed they deny it, unless peradventure they feign (as they do feign in deed) the holy ghost to be a vain thing and a thing of nothing, but therein they shall not be believed. And by this engine they are utterly overthrown, that of what soever door they boast that they have the key, a man may alway ask them whether they have the holy ghost which is the judge and governor of the keys. If they answer that they have, then they may be asked again, whether the holy ghost may err. This they will not be glade to speak expressly, although they crookedly utter the same by their doctrine. It is therefore to be gathered, that no priests have power of the keys which do commonly without consideration loose those things that the Lord would have to be bound, and bind those things that the Lord commanded to be loosed.
Where the Consessionars allege for thys purpose the power of the §20