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 Last of all, (albeit he fear least he should do wrong to the mercies of God, which doeth so carefully travel in proving of this thing, as though it were doubtful & dark) by the testimony of Isaiah, ¹and a most strong reason: and that to take away the error of the common people: who although he confess that no man hath deserved, that Christ should perform our redemption, yet that they may enter into possession of redemption, they think they are holpen by their good works. Seeing there is no righteousness at all, but that which is acceptable to God, what acceptable thing can there proceed from his enemies, whom he wholly abhorreth with all their doings? And most certain it is that we are deadly and professed enemies of God, till being justified, we are received into friendship, then if justification be the beginning of love, what righteousness of works can go before?

6 Last of all, (albeit he feare least he should do wrong to the mercies of God, which doeth so carefully trauell in prouing of this thing, as though it were doubtful & dark) by the testimony of Esai, ¹and a most strong reason: and that to take away the errour of the common people: who although hée confesse that no mā hath deserued, that Christ should perfourme our redemptiō, yet that they may enter into possession of redemption, they thinke they are holpen by their good workes. Séeing there is no righteousnes at all, but that which is acceptable to God, what acceptable thing can there procéede from his enemyes, whome hée wholly abhorreth with all their doings? And most certayne it is yt we are deadly and professed enemyes of God, till being iustified, we are receiued into friendship, then if iustification be the beginning of loue, what righteousnes of workes can goe before?

1. 1Es. 59.15 Rom. 5.6 Col. 1.2. 1. Cor. 6.11 1. Pet. 1.2