A17662:978
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 for as much as many that see the filthy gamings, the deceits,§2 thefts and robberies, wherewith the pardoners have heretofore mocked and beguiled us, yet see not the very fountain of ungodliness from whence they spring: it is good to show not only of what sort pardons be, but also what they be, when they are wiped from all spots. They call the treasure of the church, the merits of Christ and of the holy Apostles and Martyrs. The principal custody of this barn (as I have already touched) they fame to be delivered to the bishop of Rome, that he should have the distribution of so great gifts, that he might both give them by him self, and also grant jurisdiction to other to give them. Hereupon proceed from the Pope sometime plenary pardons, some pardons for certain years: from the Cardinals, pardons for a hundred days: from Bishops, pardons for forty days. But they be (as I may naturally describe them) the profaning of the blood of Christ, Satan's mockery, to lead away the christian people from the grace of God, from the life that is in Christ, and to turn them from the true way of salvation. For how could the blood of Christ be more filthily profaned, than when it is denied to suffice to the remission of sins, to reconciliation and satisfaction, unless the want thereof as being withered and wasted,1 should be otherwise supplied and profited? The law and all the Prophets (saith Peter) bear witness of Christ, that by him forgiveness of sin is to be received: Pardons give remission of sins by Peter, Paul, and the Martyrs. The blood of Christ (saith John) cleanseth us from sin:2 Pardons do make the blood of Martyrs the washing away of sins. Christ (saith Paul) which knew not sin, was made sin for us, that is, the satisfaction of sin, that we might be made the righteousness of God in him: Pardons do set the satisfaction of sins in the blood of Martyrs. Paul cried out and testified to the Corinthians,3 that only Christ was crucified and died for them: ⟨image 232⟩the pardons pronounce that Paul and other died for us.4