A17662:950
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.
The third place in Repentance they assign to satisfaction, whereof §25all that ever they babble may be overthrown with one word.1 They say that it is not enough for him that repenteth, to abstain from his former evils, and change his behaviour into better, unless he make satisfaction to God for those things that he hath done: And that there be many helps by which we may redeem sins, as weepings, fastings, oblations & the works of charity. With these we must win the Lord to be favourable, with these we must pay our debts to the righteousness of God, with these we must make amends for our defaults, with these we must deserve pardon. For although by the largess of his mercy he hath forgiven our fault, yet by the discipline of his justice he retaineth the pain, & that this is the pain that must be redeemed with satisfactions. But in effect all that they say cometh to this point, that we do in deed obtain pardon of our sins at the mercifulness of God, but by means of the deserving of our works, by which the offence of our sins may be recompensed, that due satisfaction may be fully made to Gods righteousness. Against such lies, I set the free forgiveness of sins, than which there is nothing more evidently spoken of in the Scripture.2 First, what is forgiveness, but a gift of mere liberality? For the creditor is not said to forgive, that acknowledgeth by acquittance that the money is payed, but he that without any payment willingly of his own liberality cancelleth the debtors bond. Secondly, why is this word, Freely, added, but to take away all opinion of satisfaction? With what confidence therefore do they yet set up their satisfactions, that are stricken down with so mighty a thunderbolt? But what? when the lord crieth out by Isaiah,3 It is I, it is I, that do put away iniquities for mine own sake, and will not be mindful of thy sins: doth he not openly declare, that he fetcheth the cause and foundation ⟨image 225⟩of forgiveness only from his own goodness? Moreover whereas the whole Scripture beareth this witness of Christ,4