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A17599 Aphorismes of Christian religion: or, a verie compendious abridgement of M. I. Calvins Institutions set forth in short sentences methodically by M. I. Piscator: and now Englished according to the authors third and last edition, by H. Holland.; Institutio Christianae religionis. English. Abridgments Calvin, Jean, 1509-1564.; Piscator, Johannes, 1546-1625.; Holland, Henry, 1555 or 6-1603. 1596 (1596) STC 4374; ESTC S107177 82,272 222

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iustification is by grace so as a sinner freed from damnation obtaineth righteousnesse and that freely by the pardon of his sinnes as appeareth in the three first sorts of men but also our proceeding therein so as our iustification is euer free and by grace which thing well appeareth in the fourth kinde of men which are both regenerate by Gods spirite and iustified by a liuely faith in Christ And thus God imputed vnto Abraham the father of the faithfull his faith for righteousnesse when as he had a Gene. 15.6 liued for many yeares in great holynesse of life This saith Habacuk also b Habac. 2.4 The iust shall liue by faith and Dauid c Psal 32.1 Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiuen speaking of the godly which liue a holy vnspotted and blamelesse life before men Againe Paule saith that the d 2. Cor. 5.20 embassage concerning our free reconciliation with God must be continued among the faithfull And Christ is a e 1. Iohn 2.1 continuall mediator reconciling vs with his father and the efficacie or vertue of his death to f Ibid. 2. expiate the sinnes of the faithfull neuer dieth nor waxeth old XXVI And whereas the Schoolemen also say that good workes haue no such vertue in them to be sufficient vnto iustification but that their merite vertue to iustifie is by grace we must learne that there is no grace to worke our iustification but that only which moueth God in Christ to embrace vs and to iustifie vs by the merites of his obedience and satisfaction for vs. XXVII For God accepteth not our workes but so farre as we please him hauing put on by faith the righteousnesse of Christ that is which Christ purchased by his death for vs as is a Aphor. 23. before shewed Neither can works iustifie in part before God for God admitteth no righteousnesse of workes but that b Deut. 27.26 Leuit. 18.5 full and perfect obedience to his law XXVIII When they glory of workes of supererogation whereby they say full satisfaction is made for trespasses and sins committed how can they answer that saying of Christ a Luk. 16.10 VVhen ye haue done all these things which are commanded you say we are vnprofitable seruants we haue done that which was our dutie to do XXIX To be short concerning workes take heed of two things first put no trust in them next ascribe no glory to them XXX The Scriptures driue vs from all confidence in them teaching vs that all our righteousnesse a Esa 64.6 smels in the sight of God as filthie clouts and onely prouoke Gods wrath against vs. Now take away this confidence of workes all glorying must fall to the ground for who will ascribe any commendation of iustice vnto workes if confidence in them cause him to tremble in the sight of God XXXI Moreouer if we consider all the causes of our saluation we shall finde the grace of God to shine bright in euery one of them excluding the righteousnesse of our workes For the authour of our saluation is God the Father Sonne holy Ghost The Father first in that a Tit. 3.5 of his meere b Iohn 3.16 1. Iohn 4.9 and 10. grace free loue he sent his sonne vnto vs to redeeme vs from the dominiō of the deuill Next the Sonne in that of his free loue c Rom. 5.7.8 1. Iohn 3.26 towards vs he became d Rom. 5.19 Phil 2.8 obedient to his father vnto the death of the crosse and so hath satisfied e Rom. 3.25 1. Iohn 2.2 the iustice of God for vs. Lastly the holy Ghost in that he giueth vs f Ephe. 2.8 chap. 1. ●3 faith whereby we apprehend the iustice which Christ hath purchased for vs by his death The end also the Apostle saith is the g Rom. 3.25 manifestation of Gods iustice and the prayse of his h Ephe. 1.12 goodnesse XXXII And whereas the Saintes commend otherwhiles their innocencie and integrity before God this they doe not to the end to trust in the iustice of their workes in Gods iudgement and to rest their consciences as vpon a good foundation but either to testifie the goodnesse of their a Psal 7 9. Psal 18.21 cause against their aduersaries or to cōfort themselues concerning their adoption b 2. King 20.3 1. Tim. 4.7.8 by the fruites of their faith and calling for that they rest on the onely fauour of God in Iesus Christ XXXIII Againe whereas the Scripture saith that the good workes and obedience of the faithfull doe cause the Lord to raine down many blessings vpon them we must vnderstand that good workes are so farre causes of Gods blessings vpon vs as the Lord by his former graces taketh occasion to giue vs more graces where note that they be not meritorious causes but motiues onely for speciall graces of Gods spirite going before for whom the Lord will glorifie them first he a Ephe. 5.26.27 sanctifieth that their corruption and wickednesse may not hinder their glorification In a word as Augustine hath well spoken God crowneth the workes of his owne hand in vs. XXXIIII Againe that our workes do not merite the grace of God may yet further appeare by these reasons folowing First for that they are full of a Esa 64.6 corruption next for that they are duties we b Luk. 17.10 owe vnto God thirdly for that they are not ours that is such as come from the strēgth of our free will but the effects c Rom. 8.10 Ephe. 2.10 and fruites of Gods grace in vs. XXXV And whereas good workes please God and haue a a 2. Tim 4.8 reward it is not for any merite but for that Gods b Esa 55.1 goodnesse doth accept of them and reward them of his meere grace and mercy in Iesus Christ XXXVI Surely no Christian doubteth but that we must hold fast the groundes of Christian Religion and this is a fundamentall point or ground of Christiā doctrine that Christ is giuen a 1. Cer. 1.30 and c. 3.11 vs for our righteousnesse or iustification if this doctrine stād the iustice of our merites and workes being a flat contrary can not stand XXXVII There are two opiniōs of Popery which are most opposite to that great ground of Christiā veritie The first is that there are some moral vertues or works which make men acceptable before God before they be grafted into Christ the second that Christ hath merited for vs the first grace that is an occasiō of meriting with God that then it is our parts to take the occasion when it is offered XXXVIII To conclude we must very circumspectly see to this that we build wisely vpon on that foundation for that doctrine is sound concerning good workes which is deriued from the doctrine a This is the method which Paule vseth in a maner in all his Epistles as to Rom. Gal. Ephes Phil. Col. c. of faith folowing the same as the effect doth the cause For to this end are we iustified by faith in Christ that we may shewe our selues thankfull vnto God for so inspeakable a benefite by our continuall endeuour and care to serue God in all good workes and
in all holinesse righteousnesse of life CHAP. XIIII Of Christian libertie I. APHORISME BEcause that Christians and the faithfull vnder the Gospell are freed a Rom. 6.14 from the law it foloweth now that we consider how farre this Christian libertie is extended and wherein it consisteth least any do wickedly abuse b Gal. 5.13 the same against the glory of God his owne saluation and the saluation of his brethren II. Christian libertie hath three partes to wit our freedome and discharge from the * Or condēnatiō of the law iustification of the law from the dominion of sinne and from the ceremonies of the law III. The first part of Christiā libertie is this that the consciences of the faithfull are freed and discharged from the a Gal. 3.13 and c. 5.1 iustification of the law that is from the necessitie of perfect obedience to the attaining of the legall iustice so consequently from that care and trembling because of the heauie curse and wrath of God which foloweth the breach of the law IIII. But no man may therefore conclude that the law is not necessary for the faithfull for they are euer a Rom. 7.12 taught admonished and moued therby vnto euery good worke albeit it can not charge their consciences before the tribunall seate of God V. The second part of Christian liberty is that Christians are freed from the kingdome a Iohn 8.34 36. Rom. 6.14 c 7. 22. and chap. 8. 2. 1. Iohn 5.3 and dominion of that sinne corruption which dwelleth in them so that henceforth they do no more hate nor flie from the law of God but are delighted therin because of Gods holy spirit which dwelleth in them VI. This blessed freedome yeelds two benefites the first is a holy trust and affiance in God that their a Malach. 3.17 obediēce hauing many wants yet is acceptable vnto God the second benefit is a chearefulnesse in performing our duties vnto God and this foloweth the former immediatly as the effect the cause these two points are very pertinent to Gods holy worship VII The third part of Christian libertie is that the consciences of the faithfull are discharged freed from the a Gal. 3.25 and c. 5. 13. Eph 2.14.15 Colos 2.14 and 16. ceremonies of the law that is from the necessitie and burden of the obseruation of the legal ceremonies as the eating of certain meats the obseruation of certaine feastes and the like Which things in their owne nature are but things indifferent b Rom. 14. so that it is little pertinent to godlynesse simply whether they be vsed or not vsed I ad simply for that in some respect and for some circūstāce the vse of such things might be profitable as shall after appeare in place conuenient VIII The knowledge of the doctrine of Christian libertie is necessary also for the faithfull as for peace of consciences so to auoyde superstitions IX But here notwithstanding obserue that the free vse of externall and indifferent things is not a Rom. 14. v. 14. and 22. granted them which as yet know not the doctrine nor be assuredly perswaded of the truth thereof but are caried with some superstitious opinion which causeth them to doubt of the vse of them X. The end and vse therefore of this doctrine is that we may vse the blessings of God without any scruple of conscience for that end for the which they are ordained and giuen of God for vs but euer moderating our selues in the vse of these things for the a Rom. 14.13 15.19.20.21 chap. 15. 2 1. Cor. 10.23 edificatiō of our brethren XI Wherefore seeing the a Rom. 24.5 peace of consciences is the true and naturall end of Christian libertie it followeth that they do greatly abuse the same which vse it either to satisfie their owne carnall b 1. Cor. 6.12 lustes or without regard of circumstances of time and place or any way c Rom. 14.3 and 10. in contempt of their weake brethren XII For albeit we must otherwhiles a Gal. 2. v. 3. 4 5. defend our libertie in the vse of things indifferent before men to represse the malice of some froward aduersaries yet we must haue a speciall care of weake b Rom. 14.1 13. and 20 and 21. Act. 16.3 Rom. 15.1.2 1. Cor. 8.9 13. c. 9. 22. brethren that we giue no offence to them XIII For the right vse of Christian libertie is to giue place to the ignorance and infirmitie of weake brethren and not to any a Gal. 2. v. 3.4.5 Mat. 1.5.14 Pharisaicall sowrenesse or rudenesse of hypocrites XIIII We must here take heed of that hypocrisie wherein a great nūber in this liberty regarde not the edification of brethrē but prouide onely for their a Gal. 2 1● c. owne peace XV. And here keepe this rule Do not offend God for thy neighbours sake Vnder this generall rule are contained two speciall the first is this looke what we are bounde to doe that is what God hath commanded we must not leaue a Mat. 15.10 c. Iohn 6.51 c. Act. 5.28.29 vndone for feare of any offence or daunger that may ensue the same The second is this we must neither b Rom. 3.8 Gene. 12.10 chap. 26.7 Exod. 1.19 Ios 2.4.5.6 1. Sam. 21.24 purpose nor do any thing which God doth not permit XVI There is also another generall rule that loue towardes man giue place to the puritie of faith as if a man be bound to do any thing against his conscience or else the brother will be offended let the brother be a Luk. 14.26 offended rather then do any thing against conscience for as this libertie is vnder charitie so charitie vnder faith XVII Againe another consequent of this libertie is this the consciences of the faithfull are exempt and freed frō the a 1. Cor. 3.21 chap. 7.23 dominion and power of all men and this is that Christ may not leese that prayse and thankes giuing which is due to his bountifulnesse and goodnesse and that our consciences may not be depriued of the fruite of his liberalitie XVIII Neither must we deeme this libertie of cōsciēces in not being subiect vnto mā to be but a matter of small moment for that it cost a Ibid. and 1. Pet. 1.18 and 19. Gal. 5.1 Christ so great a price euen the price of his owne most pretious bloud XIX The better to vnderstand this doctrine we must note the difference betweene the spirituall and ciuill gouernement of men for by that spirituall regiment the conscience is instructed to serue and worship God but by the ciuill
Psal 55.18 Act. 10.9 ordinarie and speciall houre for prayer as in vprising before and after meats and when we go to rest so that this obseruation of ours be voyde of superstition and then specially are we bounde to apply our selues to prayer when we see our selues or our brethren in any b Psal 50.15 Ioel. 2. Ierem. 6.26 Est 4.3 16. dangers or in any speciall wants againe we are also bounde to render thankes humbly vnto God whē we haue receiued any speciall benefite at his handes c Exod. 15. Iude. 5. Psal 9.30.34 c. XIX Moreouer the lifting vp the voyce in prayer or singing or gesture of the body as a Ephe. 3.14 kneeling b 1. Cor. 11. couering the face the c 1. Tim. 2.8 lifting vp of hands and eyes d Iohn 11.41 towardes heauen doe not simply commende any mans prayer but so far these things please God as they proceede from the true e Luke 18.11 and 13. affections of the hart XX. Againe we must take heede that we prescribe not or appoint any certaine a Mat. 20.21 Iude. 7.19 circumstances vnto God for we must giue him b 2. Sam. 15.26 leaue to graunt and performe our requestes in what manner time and place it pleaseth him XXI Lastly this also is to be noted that we a Luke 18.1 c. Luke 11.8 perseuer in prayer and that we consider not of the hearing of our prayers by our sense or feeling but by our faith For albeit we do not alwaies feele that God doth giue vs that we haue asked yet we must be assured that he doth giue will giue that which is good for our saluation CHAP. XVII Of Predestination I. APHORISME PRedestination we call the a Ephe. 1.4 2. Tim. 1.9 eternall decree of God wherein he determined with himselfe what he would haue done with b Rom. 9.20.21.22 23. euery man as concerning their eternall saluation or damnation II. This predestination hath two speciall branches The first is called election the other reprobation by a metonymie of the effect that is a change of a word properly signifying an effect to signifie the cause for election and reprobation are properly referred to man who being created is fallen and corrupted with sinne but metonymically the very decree of election reprobation is so a Ephe. 1.4 called III. Therefore we say with the Scripture that God in his eternall and a 2 Tim. 2. v. 19. Esa 46.9 Malach. 3.6 1. Thess 5.9 immutable coūcell hath once decreed whom in time to come he will b Rom. 9.23 aduaunce to glorie and whom on the contrarie he shall c Act. 1.25 Iohn 17.12 1. Pet. 2.8 Iude v. 4. giue ouer to condemnation IIII. This purpose we auouch was founded on the a Ephe. 1.5 Rom. 8.29 Mat. 11.25.26 Rom. 9.18 meere pleasure of God V. Moreouer whom God hath predestinate to saluation them also hath he decreed to make partakers of the meanes by which men come to saluation which meanes are their a Ephe. 1. recōciliation by Christ their b Rom. 8. effectuall calling and c Ibid. iustification And contrarily whom he hath predestinate to destruction them also hath he decreed not to make partakers of those meanes which tend to saluation but to leaue d Psal 81.13 them to themselues or to deliuer them to e Esa 29.10 Rom. 11.8 Sathan that both by his and their owne naturall instigation they may purchase to themselues damnation VI. The end or scope of predestination is is the glorie a Prou. 16.4 of God that is the glorie of his b Ephe. 1.6 and 12. Rom. 9.23 grace and mercy manifested in the saluation of the elect and of his c Rom. 9.25.26 iustice in the death of his sonne our mediatour the glory also of his d Rom. 9.17 and 22. power and e Rom. 9.22 iustice in the damnation of reprobates yea of his iustice both f Rom. 11.33 secret in their reiection and also g Rom. 1.18 manifest in punishing them for their sinnes finally the glorie of his most free h Rom. 9.15 8.20.21 power both in the condemnation of the reprobate and in the glorification of his elect VII The infallible testimonie of our election is our a Rom. 8.30 1. Tim. 1.1 effectuall calling when as the holy spirite by the preaching b Rom. 10.17 of the Gospell doth worke faith in Christ in the harts of his elect that thereby they may be c Rom. 8.30 Ephe. 1.7 iustified working also some beginning of new d 2. Tim. 2.19 obedience that they may be sanctified that so in time they may be fully e Rom. 8.30 glorified VIII And as the Lord a 2. Tim. 2.19 sealeth and marketh his elect by their vocation iustification and sanctification so by excluding the reprobate either from the knowledge of his truth or from the sanctification of his spirite as it were by certaine notes he sheweth what iudgement remaineth for them IX Neither yet may any rashly define or pronounce that he is in the number of the reprobate if the signes of election as yet appeare not in him for some are called a Math. 20.3 c. later then others yea the b Luk. 23.40 c. theefe on the crosse was not before the end of his life called wherefore we may despaire of none vnlesse manifest signes be shewed that he hath sinned to death that is against the holy c 1. Ioh. 5.16 spirite neither yet may any securely sinne in hope of mercy but euer remēber to d Heb. 3.7 day if ye heare his voyce harden not your harts for God is not mocked e Gal 6.7 X. There be two notable fruits of this doctrine the one that we may with humble adoration acknowledge how much we are bounde to God that hath vouchsafed to chuse vs so vnworthy out of the a Rom. 11.35 companie of the damned and to aduaunce vs to the state of heauenly glory The other that we may with good b Rom. 8.31 c. 2. Tim. 2.19 assuraunce rest our selues on the vnchaungeable purpose of God touching our saluation and therfore be fully perswaded and assured thereof in Iesus Christ CHAP. XVIII Of the resurrection and of life euerlasting I. APHORISME ALbeit the doctrine of the resurrection seeme incredible in mans reason yet we that are Christians must beleeue it receiue it that is we must beleeue that the bodies of the dead shal be restored to their first state and their soules shall reenter them againe so they shall liue and rise againe at the last day II. This faith of ours is grounded on the a Dan. 12.2 Ioh. 5.29 c testimonies of the word of God who is almighty and can not lye III. But of them that shall rise againe the estate shal be very vnlike For the godly shall rise to a Dan. 12.2