The commentaries of M. John Calvin upon the first Epistle of Saint John, and…The comentaries of M. Iohn Caluin vpon the first Epistle of Sainct Ihon, and…

And that the Apostle meaneth, by the Seed of GOD. For so the Spirit of ⟨image 69⟩God frameth the hearts of the godly unto right affection, that the flesh with his lusts prevaileth not, but is kept under, as being tamed under a yoke. In conclusion, the chief effects in the elect, the Apostle ascribeth to the spirit of God, who by his power represseth sin, and doth not suffer it to flourish.

And that the Apostle meaneth, by the Seede of GOD. For so the Spirite of ⟨image 69⟩God frameth the heartes of the godly vnto right affection, that the flesh with his lustes preuayleth not, but is kept vnder, as béeing tamed vnder a yoke. In conclusion, the chiefe effects in the elect, the Apostle ascribeth to the spirit of God, who by his power represseth sinne, and doth not suffer it to flourish.

Neither can he sin. Here now the Apostle ascendeth higher. For he doth plainly testify, that the hearts of the godly are so effectually governed by the spirit of God, that they follow his direction with an unchangeable desire. But this is very far from Popish doctrine. The Sorbonists indeed confess, that the will of man cannot desire that which is right, except it be holpen by the spirit of God: but they imagine the motion of the spirit to be such, as leaveth unto us the free choice of good & evil. Hence they draw merits, because we willingly obey unto the grace of the spirit, which it was in our power to reject. Finally, they define this to be the only grace of the spirit, that we be able to will well, if we list. John saith far otherwise in this place: for he doth not only teach that we are able not to sin, but that the motion of the spirit is so effectual, that of necessity it holdeth us in a continual obedience ⟨p. 33⟩of righteousness. Neither is this the only •lace of Scripture, which teacheth that the ill is so framed, that it cannot be but right. For God testifieth, that he giveth a new hart o his children, and he promiseth that he will ause them to walk in his precepts. Ezech. 6.26. Add moreover, that John doth only each how effectually God worketh in man, ut he plainly affirmeth, that his spirit doth continue his grace in us to the very last breath, that inchaungeable perseverance may be joined with newness of life. Wherefore let us not with the School men imagine some middle motion, which is in a mans choice to follow, or to refuse: but let us know that our hearts are governed of the spirit of God, that they may constantly cleave to the way of righteousness. Further, the absurdity which the School men object, is easily refelled. They say, but falsely, that by this means Will is taken from man. For will is of nature: but because the corruption of nature bringeth forth only evil affections, therefore it is of necessity, that the spirit of God do reform it, whereby it may incline to goodness. And again, because men would easily fall from that which is good, it is of necessity, that the same spirit continue unto the end, that