The commentaries of M. John Calvin upon the Acts of the Apostles, faithfully translated…The commentaries of M. Iohn Caluin vpon the Actes of the Apostles, faithfully translated…

But though ambition have oftentimes raged, and many being incensed with wicked lust, have past their bounds: yet the lust of men hath never brought to pass, but that God hath governed all events from out his holy sanctuary. For though men by raging upon earth do seem to assault heaven, that they may overthrow Gods providence: yet they are enforced whether they will or no, rather to establish the same. Therefore let us know that the world is so turned over through divers tumults that God doth at length bring all things unto the end which he hath appointed.

But though ambition haue oftentimes raged, and many beyng incensed with wicked lust, haue past their boundes: yet the lust of men hath neuer brought to passe, but that God hath gouerned al euents from out his holie sanctuarie. For though men by raging vppon earth doe seeme to assault heauen, that they may ouerthrow Gods prouidence: yet they are inforced whether they will or no, rather to establish the same. Therfore let vs know that the world is so turned ouer through diuers tumults that God doth at length bring al things vnto the end which he hath appointed.

27 That they might seek God. This sentence hath two members: to wit, that it is mans duty to seek God: Secondly, that God himself cometh forth to meet us, and doth show himself by such manifest tokens, that we can have no excuse for our ignorance. Therefore let us remember that those men do wickedly abuse this life, & that they be unworthy to dwell upon earth, which do not apply their studies to seek him. As if every kind of brute beasts should fall from that inclination which they have naturally, which should for good causes be called monstrous. And surely nothing is more absurd, then that men should be ignorant of their Author, who are endued with understanding principally for this use. And we must especially note the goodness of God, in that he doth so familiarly insinuate himself, that even the blind may grope, after him. For which cause the blindness of men is more shameful and untollerable, who in so manifest and evident a manifestation, are touched with no feeling of Gods presence. Whithersoever they cast their eyes upward or downward, they must needs light upon lively and also infinite images of Gods power, wisdom, and goodness. For God hath not darkly shadowed his glory in the creation of the world: but he hath every where engraven such manifest marks, that even blind men may know them by groping. Whence we gather that men are not only blind, but blockish when being holpen by such excellent testimonies they profit nothing. Yet here ariseth a question, whether men can naturally come unto the true and merciful knowledge of GOD. For Paul doth give us to understand, that their own sluggishness is the cause that they cannot perceive that God is present: because though