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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.
both haue one and the selfe same substance but they differ in that the ministration is diuerse XI In the substance of the couenant three things are to be considered The first is what the scope is of the calling of Gods elect The second what is the antecedent * The Greekes call it 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 antecedent or principall cause mouing cause of the couenāt The third what the stirring mouing and * The Greekes call this 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the euident cause meritorious cause is XII The scope of the calling of the fathers and of establishing Gods couenant with them was the blessed immortalitie The mouing cause Gods free fauour grace in their vocation The meritorious cause was the death of the mediator XIII That God proposed and promised to the fathers not an earthly but heauenly beatitude may appeare by these arguments Frist because they were called by the a Rom 1.2 Rom. 3.21 promise of the Gospell wherein it is euident that men are called vnto an heauenly b Ephe. 1.13 2. Thess 2.14 felicitie Secondly for that they had the same c 1. Cor. 10.3 and 4. Sacramēt with vs the same I say in signification that is seales of the same grace Thirdly for that God vouchsafed to make these holy fathers partakers of his word whereby soules are d 1. Pet. 1.23 quickened and men are lift vp vnto the hope of life euerlasting Fourthly for that God promised those fathers that he wold be their e Leui. 26.12 Math. 22.32 God that is that he would be not onely the God of their bodies but also principally the God and Sauiour of their soules for euer and therefore he promised to knit their soules vnto himselfe in righteousnesse that he might make them partakers of life f Psal 144.15 Psal 33.12 Haba 1.12 Deut. 33. ●9 euerlasting Fiftly for that God in his couenant testified not onely that he was now their God but also promised that he would be their God for g Gen. 17.7 euer in which promise assuredly the heauenly felicitie life euerlasting is plainly signified vnto vs. Sixtly for that God promised also that he would be the God of their h Ibid. seede after them that is of the posteritie of them after their death for their sake and for their comfort Seuenthly for that God i Exod. 3.6 Math. 12.32 professed of Abraham Isaac Iacob after their death that he is their God Eightly because those holy fathers were exercised with many and great k Gene. 4.8 Gen. 6.7.8.9 Gene. 12.13 c. Gene. 26.27 Gene. 28.29 c. miseries in this life whereby it is manifest that they waited and looked to receiue at Gods hand not an earthly but an heauenly rest and happinesse otherwise they should be frustrate of their hope and so deceiued by the oracles and diuine promises of God Ninthly for that Paule to the Hebrues testifieth that Abraham Isaac and Iacob did by faith l Heb. 11 9.1●0 abide in the land of promise as in a straunge countrey looking for desiring and minding their heritage and Citie and countrey in heauen Tenthly for that if these fathers had not expected the complement of Gods promises in heauen they had bin more blunt and m 1. Cor. 15.19 voyde of vnderstanding then very blockes for that they so egerly sought after these promises for the which there could be no hope that euer they should be performed on earth Eleuenthly for that those fathers Abraham Isaac and Iacob n Gen. 47.9 Psal 39.13 confessed that they were strangers in the land of Chanaan and therefore we must necessarily vnderstand that the o Gen. 15.18 promise made of God vnto them cōcerning that land may not principally and properly be vnderstood of that land or of any earthly happinesse to be enioyed in that place but of life euerlasting as signified by type and figure Twelfthly for that those holy fathers would be p Gene. 47.29.30 Gene. 50.24 buried in the land of Chanaan to retaine the seale or Sacrament of eternall life which God had giuē thē Thirtenthly for it is very apparant that those holy fathers in all their q Psal 119.166 174. desires purposes set euer before thēselues the blessed state of eternall life Fourteenthly for that Iacob being euen ready to die professed that he expected the saluation of the Lord that is the Lord had promised and should giue him and then could he not r Gen. 49.18 looke for in this life because that anon after he died departed from the same Fifteenthly for that the Prophets testifie that the couenant made with the fathers was ſ Esa 51.6 Iob. 19.25 c Iohn 13.15 Esa 66.22 c. Da. 12.1 c. spirituall and therefore that life euerlasting was promised vnto thē therin Sixteenthly because Christ promising eternall life to his Disciples saith they should t Math. 8.11 rest with Abrahā Isaac and Iacob Seuenteenthly for that Peter u Act. 3.25 promising that Euāgelicall benediction that is remission of sinnes and life euerlasting to the faithfull Iewes of his time he made them herein equall to their fathers Eightenthly For that Christ in his x Mat. 27.52 resurrection raised vp many of the Saints with him vnto life euerlasting and therfore because there is one the like reason of all the elect the rest also shal be aduanced in due time vnto the kingdome of haeuen Nineteenthly for that those holy fathers had the selfe same spirit of y 2. Cor. 4.13 Gene. 15.6 Hebr. 11. faith we haue therefore they were as well as we regenerate vnto the hope of eternall life XIIII Againe it may appeare by the premises that the couenant whereby the fathers were reconciled vnto God rested not vpon any of their merites but onely on the free a Ios last 2.3 mercy of God which called them to his grace and fauour againe it is manifest that they receiued and knew b Heb. 11.4 Iohn 8.56 Dan. 9.17 Christ a mediatour by faith for by him they were receiued to cōmun with God and made partakers of his holy promises XV. Thus far we haue shewed the likenesse and agreement of both Testaments now it foloweth that we declare also how they differ and disagree XVI The difference of both Testamentes consisting in the maner of administration hath foure parts XVII The first difference is this that the couenant of grace in the old Testamēt that is before the comming of Christ that glorious appearāce of the holy Ghost was administred to a Gen. 15.18 chap. 17.7 Abraham onely with his posteritie and of these principally to the people of the Iewes b Math. 10.5 6 c. 15.24 Rom. 15.8 the Israelites But in the new Testament that is after the incarnation of Christ and his Ascension into heauen the same is administred to other c Mat. 28.19 Mar. 16.15 Act. 9.15 nations which
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
by the Priest all their sins for whom the Masse is celebrated are purged whether they be as yet aliue or euē long since dead and in Purgatorie XXIII Lastly they sinne also grieuously whiles they adore that fained Christ as lying hid vnder the forme of bread CHAP. XXIIII Of Baptisme I. APHORISME BAptisme is the first Sacrament of the new Testament or couenant of grace wherein according to Christs a Mat. 28.19 institution the Christian is dipped in water or sprinkled with water by the Minister of the Church to represent the shedding of the bloud of Christ vpon the Crosse and to testifie to him that the remission of sinsis purchased for him by the bloud of Christ and to seale his regeneration by the holy Ghost which grace is purchased also fot the elect by the bloud of Iesus Christ and lastly to seale his communion and felowship with Christ in the kingdome of heauen and so in like manner the Baptised makes publique profession that his harts desire is to be one of the people and Church of God II. Whereas we say that Baptisme is a Sacrament we haue already shewed in the former Chapter what this word signifieth III. We ad that Baptisme is a Sacrament of the new Testament or couenant of grace because it was instituted by Christ after his incarnation first administred amongst the Iewes by Iohn the Baptist Christ himselfe next among all nations by the Apostles and their successours IIII. We call Baptisme the first Sacrament of the new Testament in respect of the second which is the Lords Supper for Baptisme is the Sacrament of our first a Act. 2.4.1 Iohn 41. entrance and admission into the visible Church of Christ that we may be of the number of Gods childrē so accounted may enioy their b Ibid. v. 42. priuiledges And therfore men vnbaptised may not be admitted to the Lordes Supper like as in times past vnder the old Testament the Sacracrament of their first c Mat. 23.15 entrance into the Church was Circumcision and none d Exod. 13.48 vncircumcised was to eate the passeouer V. We say that the person to be Baptised ought to be a a Mar. 16.16 Act. 8.36.37.38 Act. 2.41 Act. 16.14.15.31.32.33 Christian by which name we vnderstand not onely men of yeares lately conuerted to the Christiā faith but also young b Act. 16.33 Exod. 12.48 infants the children of Christian parents whereby may appeare that the speach of the common people is erroneous when as desiring Baptisme of the Pastour of the Church for their infants they say God hath giuen me a child I pray you make it a Christian soule For Baptisme doth not make a Christian but signifieth and marketh vs for Christians VI. We adde further that Baptisme is to be administred by the Minister of the Church bicause Baptisme is a part of the Ecclesiasticall a Mat. 28.19 Ministerie which none may b Heb. 5.4 meddle with but they which are thereunto lawfully called for to whom Christ gaue cōmission to Baptise to them also he gaue charge to preach his holy word and what God hath ioyned together c Mat. 19.6 no man may put asunder Those women therfore sinne which in their fained cause of necessitie do administer this holy Sacrament yea they sin dangerously for baptizing without any commission frō God nay d 1. Cor. 14.34 1. Tim. 2.22 contrary to his word and for ascribing to any externall thing our euerlasting saluation which is to be sought only in the death of Christ and in the promise of grace The same is to be thought also if any man not called to the Ministery of the Gospell do Baptise VII Water onely is to be vsed in Baptisme and no other liquor for that Gods commandement is of water only and the practise of the faithfull seruauntes of God which first ministred the same as Iohn Baptist Christ and his Apostles and their successours can teach vs. VIII And whether the Baptized be dipped in water and that once or thrise or haue the water sprinkled or powred vpon him it is a matter indifferent and ought to be free in the Church according to the diuersitie of countreys For although it be manifest that dipping in the water was vsed in the a Iohn 3.23 Mat. 3.16 Act. 8.38.39 Rom. 6.4.5 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 primitiue Church yet the originall Baptizing doth signifie not onely to be dipped in the water but also to be wet with water any way IX Moreouer Baptisme is giuen vs of God to this end first for the confirmation of our owne faith to our selues next for the manifestatiō of our profession among mē X. Baptisme helpes our faith three wayes testifying vnto vs of three things which we receiue by faith for first it is an instruction and symbole thereunto of the a Act. 2.37 c. 22.16 remission of sinnes next of our b Rom. 6.4 Tit. 3.5 renouation by the holy Ghost lastly of our vnion and c Gal. 3.28 communion with Christ XI First concerning forgiuenesse of sins Baptisme both teacheth and sealeth the same in a speciall manner vnder the figure and type of washing a Act. 22.16 Soph. 5.26 Tit. 3.5.6 purging vs for as by water the filthines of the body is purged and washed away So by the bloud b Iohn 1.7 of Christ all the pollutions of the faithfull are washed and purged XII And this confirmation which we haue by Baptisme concernes the whole life all and euery one of the sinnes of our life for the bloud of Christ whereof Baptisme is the seale purgeth a 1. Iohn 1.7 vs from all sinne Therfore so oftē as we fall we should call our Baptisme to minde and thereby arme our selues that we may euer rest assured of the free pardon of our sinnes for that the bloud of Christ is that fotūaine which is b Zach. 13.1 opened to the house of Dauid and to the inhabitants of Ierusalem that is to all the faithfull to wash them from sin and from vncleanesse XIII Let no mā by this doctrine gather any libertie to sinne for this doctrine is not taught but for the consolation of them which be truly humbled and for afflicted soules and consciences Againe Baptisme doth no lesse warne vs of our a Rom. 6.4 mortification and dying vnto sinne then of the remission of our sinnes by Christ XIIII Therefore the second end of our Baptisme is our a Tit. 3.5 regeneration for this Christ promiseth to worke in vs by his holy spirite and so doth indeede and this grace also he merited for vs of his father by his death and passion XV. Where we must obserue that this renewing of nature is a Rom. 7. imperfect in this life but yet so be we renewed that this sinne dwelling in vs raigneth b Rom. 6.4 not nor hath dominion ouer vs but by the grace of Gods spirite is dayly more and more mortified