A17649:256
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…
The commentaries of M. John Calvin upon the first Epistle of Saint John, and upon the Epistle of Jude wherein according to the truth of the words of the holy Ghost, he most excellently openeth and cleareth the point of true justification with God, and sanctification by the Spirit of Christ, by the effects that he bringeth forth in the regeneration. Translated into English by W.H.The comentaries of M. Iohn Caluin vpon the first Epistle of Sainct Ihon, and vpon the Epistle of Iude wherein accordyng to the truthe of the woordes of the holie Ghost, he most excellently openeth and cleareth the poinct of true iustification with God, and sanctification by the Spirit of Christ, by the effects that he bryngeth forthe in the regeneration. Translated into Englishe by W.H.
London: printed by John Kyngstone and T. East for John Harrison the younger, 1580London: printed by Ihon Kyngstone and T. East for Iohn Harrison the yonger, 1580
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
18 There is no fear. Now by contraries he commendeth the excellency of that good: for he saith, that we are continually tormented, until God do deliver us from that miserable torment, with the remedy of his love towards us. The effect is, seeing nothing is more miserable, than to be vexed with continual disquiet, that we attain unto this love of God towards us being known, that we may quietly rest without fear. Whence appeareth, how singular a benefit it is, that God doth vouchsafe us worthy of his love.
18 There is no feare. Now by contraries he commendeth the excellencie of that good: for he saith, that we are continuallye tormented, vntill God doo deliuer vs from that miserable torment, with the remedye of his loue towards vs. The effect is, séeing nothing is more miserable, than to be vexed with continuall disquiet, that we attain vnto this loue of God towardes vs being knowen, that we maye quietlye rest without feare. Whence appeareth, how singular a benefite it is, that God dooth vouchsafe vs worthy of his loue.
Further, of this doctrine he will immediately raise an exhortation. But before he ⟨p. 83⟩exhort us to our duty, he commendeth this gift of God to us, which by faith taketh fear from us. I know that all this place is other ways expounded of many: but I respect what the Apostle meaneth, not what others think. They say, That there is no fear in love: because when of our own accord we love God, we are not constrained to his obedience by force and fear. Therefore, according to them, a servile fear is here opposed to a voluntary reverence. Whence also is risen the distinction of servile & childly fear. I grant indeed that that is true, when we willingly love God as a Father, that we are no more urged with the fear of punishment: but that doctrine hath no agreement with this place. For the Apostle doeth only teach, that when the love of God is perceived and known unto us by Faith, peace is given unto our consciences, lest they be any more disquieted.
Further, of this doctrine he will immediately raise an exhortation. But before hée