A17676:1241
An abridgement of the Institution of Christian religion written
An abridgement of the Institution of Christian religion written by M. John Calvin. Wherein brief and sound answers to the objections of the adversaries are set down. By William Lawn minister of the word of God. Faithfully translated out of Latin into English by Christopher Fetherstone minister of the word of GodAn abridgement of the Institution of Christian religion written by M. Ihon Caluin. VVherein briefe and sound ansvveres to the obiections of the aduersaries are set dovvne. By VVilliam Lawne minister of the word of God. Faithfullie translated out of Latine into English by Christopher Fetherstone minister of the word of God
Edinburgh: printed by Thomas Vautrollier, 1586
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.
4 Therefore what soever is taken away from the wicked love of it, ought to be added to the desire of a better life. Those thought most truly, who thought it the best not to be borne, and the next to die quickly. For being destitute of the light of God,1 what could they see in this life which was not unhappy and miserable? But they did all things without profit. But the faithful which have the knowledge of true religion, will say, If heaven be our country, what other thing is the earth but exile? If it be the chief felicity to enjoy the presence of God, is it not a miserable thing to want it? Therefore this life in comparison of the life to come is easily contemned: but we must never hate it, save only inasmuch as it keepeth us subject to sin. Therefore if it become us to die and live to the Lord, let us leave the term of life and time of death to his pleasure: yet so that we be inflamed with desire thereof. And let us despise this life in comparison of the immortality to come, and let us wish to forsake it so often as it shall please the Lord,2 because of the bondage of sin.
4 Therefore what soeuer is taken away from the wicked loue of it, ought to be added to the desire of a better life. Those thought most truly, who thought it the best not to be borne, and the next to die quickely. For being destitute of the light of God,1 what could they see in this life which was not vnhappie and miserable? But they did all thinges without profite. But the faithfull which haue the knowledge of true religion, will say, If heauen be our countrey, what other thing is the earth but exile? If it be the chiefe felicitie to enioy the presence of God, is it not a miserable thing to want it? Therefore this life in comparison of the life to come is easilie contemned: but we must neuer hate it, saue onely inasmuch as it keepeth vs subiect to sinne. Therefore if it become vs to die and liue to the Lord, let vs leaue the terme of life and time of death to his pleasure: yet so that we be enflamed with desire thereof. And let vs despise this life in comparison of the immortalitie to come, and let vs wishe to forsake it so often as it shall please the Lorde,2