An abridgement of the Institution of Christian religion written

Quest. There remain two doubts to be unfolded, the first whether we sin willingly, when we §1are made slaves of the devil: the second, whether in evil works we ought to attribute any thing to God?¹

Quest. There remaine two doubtes to be vnfolded, the first whether we sinne willingly, when we §1are made slaues of the deuill: the seconde, whether in euill workes we ought to attribute anie thing to God?¹

1. 1Two doubts.Two doubtes.

¹An. As touching the first, Augustine compareth mans will to an horse that waiteth his masters pleasure, God and the devil to riders or horsemen. If God sit upon it he ruleth it well like a skilful rider. But if the devil possess it, he carieth it headlong unto death over steep down places, like a wanton rider. So the will followeth Satan being bewitched with his enchantments.

¹An. As touching the first, Augustine compareth mans wil to an horse that waiteth his maisters pleasure, God and the deuill to riders or horsemen. If God sit vpon it he ruleth it well like a skilfull rider. But if the deuill possesse it, he carieth it headlong vnto death ouer steep downe places, like a wanton rider. So the wil followeth Sathan being bewitched with his inchauntments.

1. 1A similitude. The condition of mans will.