An abridgement of the Institution of Christian religion written

5 Furthermore it shall appear sufficiently even by one place that the ministry of Satan doth come between to prick forward the reprobate, so often as the Lord appointeth them hither or thither by his providence. For it is often said in Samuel, that the evil spirit of the Lord, or the evil spirit from the Lord, either caught or let go Saul*.¹ Also we must add that which Paul teacheth, that the efficacy of error and seducing is sent of God, that they may believe lying, which have not obeyed the truth.

5 Furthermore it shall appeare sufficiently euen by one place that the ministery of Sathan doth come betweene to pricke forward the reprobate, so often as the Lord appointeth them hither or thither by his prouidence. For it is often sayde in Samuell, that the euill spirit of the Lord, or the euill spirit from the Lord, either caught or let go Saull*.¹ Also we must adde that which Paull teacheth, that the efficacie of errour and seducing is sent of God, that they may beleue lying, which haue not obeyed the truth.

1. 11. Sam. 16.14 & 18.10 & 29.9. 2. Thes. 2.9

6 Hitherto we have handled those actions which appertain unto the spiritual life, wherein we have seen the weakness of will:¹ let us now §2see what liberty man hath in those actions which are neither just of them selves, nor yet corrupt, and