An abridgement of the Institution of Christian religion written

1 SURELY if any where the ignorance of God be sought for, we can no where have a more apparent example thereof, then among the blockishest people, and such are farthest from humanity.¹ But there is no nation so barbarous (as even the very Heathen man saith) no country so savage, which have not this persuasion remaining in them, that there is a God. And even those who in other parts of their life seem to differ but a very little from beasts, do yet notwithstanding continually retain some seed of religion.² Idolatry is an ample testimony of this conceit.§2 Because man had rather worship stocks and stones then that he will be thought to have no God.

1 SVRELIE if anie where the ignoraunce of God be sought for, wee can no where haue a more apparaunt example thereof, then among the blockishest people, and such are farthest from humanitie.¹ But there is no nation so barbarous (as euen the verie Heathen man saith) no countrie so sauage, which haue not this perswasion remaining in them, that there is a God. And euen those who in other partes of their life seeme to differ but a verie litttle from beastes, doe yet notwithstanding continuallie retaine some seede of religion.² Idolatrie is an ample testimonie of this conceite.§2 Because man hadde rather worshippe stockes and stones then that hee will be thought to haue no God.

1. 1Cicero de natura Deorum.
2. 2Idolatry natural.Idolatrie naturall.