A69054:579
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…
The institutions of Christian religion, written by the reverend father, M. John Calvin, compendiously abridged by Edmond Bunny Bachelor of divinity; and translated into English by Edward MayThe institutions of Christian religion, written by the reuerend father, M. Iohn Caluin, compendiously abridged by Edmond Bunnie Bachellour of diuinitie; and translated into English by Edward May
London: printed for William Norton, 1580
Title page typeset from the transcription.
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.
22 If any man take exception, and say, that the lawful ministers of Christ shall be no less doubtful in their office, because the absolution that hangeth upon Faith shall alway remain doubtful: And then that sinners them selves shall have either none or cold comfort, because the minister him self, which is no competent Judge of their Faith, can not be assured of their absolution: the answer is easy and in readiness: Because we say not as they say, that forgiveness dependeth upon the judgement or person of the Priest: (which maketh the Popish absolution doubtful, and many ways perplex) but upon the Faith of him whom we lose: neither do we profess any other remission,1 but conditionally.
22 If any man take exception, and say, that the lawful ministers of Christ shall be no lesse doubtful in their office, because the absolutiō that hangeth vpon Fayth shall alway remaine doubtfull: And then that sinners them selues shall haue either none or colde comfort, because the minister him self, which is no competent Iudge of their Faith, can not be assured of their absolution: the answere is easie and in readinesse: Because we say not as they say, that forgiuenes dependeth vpon the iudgement or person of the Priest: (which maketh the Popish absolution doubtfull, and many wayes perplexe) but vppon the Fayth of him whome we lose: neyther do we professe any other remission,1 but condicionally.
23 A more full entreaty of these things being referred to an other place, now he briefly toucheth certain other of their errors. And first because they do preposterously draw to auricular confession, those things which are partly spoken of the preaching of the Gospel, and partly of excommunication: secondly, in that they deny that it sufficeth to confess sins, either to God only or to lay men, unless a Priest be the hearer of them: Thirdly, that albeit they rightly confess (because absolution alway accompanieth repentance) there properly remaineth no bond, when a man is touched with repentance (therefore the Priest doeth not then so much forgive sins, as pronounce and declare them forgiven) yet in the word of declaring, they slyly bring in a gross error, and they overthrow this their moderation by enjoining of penalty and satisfaction.