The institutions of Christian religion, written by the reverend father, M. John Calvin, compendiously…The institutions of Christian religion, written by the reuerend father, M. Iohn Caluin, compendiously…

6 To this end also,¹ are they called seals of covenants, and are unto us as pillars and glasses.

6 To this ende also,¹ are they called seales of couenants, and are vnto vs as pillers and glasses.

1. 1Gen. 6.18.

7 Neither is this fitly for the purpose,¹ that they are given to the wicked: for they are nevertheless testimonies of Gods grace, the reasons which they are wont to object against this sentence, are trifling and weak: the one truly because by this means it would follow, that our Faith seeing otherwise it is good, may yet be made better (which they account as absurd) for they say it is no Faith: but which without shaking, steadfastly & without withdrawing resteth upon the mercy of God, but it had been better for such to pray with the Apostle that the Lord would increase their Faith, then to pretend such a perfection, which none of the sons of men have obtained: for that Faith howsoever it was begun, was a good Faith, and taking away incredulity might be made stronger.

7 Neither is this fitly for ye purpose,¹ that they are giuen to the wicked: for they are neuerthelesse testimonies of Gods grace, the reasons which they are wont to obiect against this sentence, are trifling and weake: the one truely because by this meanes it woulde folowe, that our Fayth séeing otherwise it is good, may yet bée made better (which they account as absurde) for they say it is no Fayth: but which without shaking, stedfastly & without withdrawing resteth vpon the mercy of God, but it had bene better for such to pray with the Apostle that the Lorde woulde encrease their Fayth, then to pretend such a perfection, which none of the sonnes of men haue obtained: for that Fayth howsoeuer it was begunne, was a good Fayth, and taking away incredulitie might bée made stronger.