A17649:62
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.
Further, seeing the speech is general: it followeth, that none of the Saints, which are, which were, or which shall be, are exempted from this number. Wherefore Augustine doth exceeding fitly refel the cavil of the Pelagians with this testimony, and doth also wisely weigh, that the confession of guiltiness is required, not for humility's sake: but lest in lying we deceive our selves. When he addeth, The truth is not in us. After his manner he confirmeth the former sentence by rehearsing it again: albeit it is not a simple rehearsing as other where, but he saith they are deceived because they glory in lying.
Further, séeing the speach is generall: it followeth, that none of the Saints, which are, which were, or which shall be, are exempted from this number. Wherefore Augustine dooth excéeding fitlie refell the cauill of the Pelagians with this testimonie, and dooth also wiselye weigh, that the confession of guyltinesse is required, not for humilities sake: but lest in lying we deceiue our selues. When he addeth, The truth is not in vs. After his manner he confirmeth the former sentence by rehearsing it againe: albeit it is not a simple rehearsing as other where, but he sayth they are deceiued because they glorie in lying.
9 If we confess. Again, he promiseth the faithful, that GOD will be favourable unto them, so that they acknowledge themselves to be sinners. For it is a most excellent thing that we be certainly persuaded, that there is a ready and prepared Reconciliation for us with GOD, when we have sinned otherwise we continually bear Hell shut up within us. Few indeed do weigh this, how miserable and unhappy a thing the wavering and unquietness of mans conscience is: But so the case standeth with us, that hell doth reign ⟨image 29⟩where there is not peace with God. How much more ought we to embrace this promise with all our heart, which offereth assured forgiveness to all that do confess their sins. Further, he teacheth that it is founded upon the faith and righteousness of God, because God who hath promised is true and plain, for they that think he is called just, because he doeth justify us freely, in my judgement, do reason too subtly. For this justice dependeth of faith, but each of them is annexed to the promise, for otherwise God may be just, & yet deal with us in most high justice: but because he hath bound himself to us by his word, he will not be taken for just except he do forgive. But this confession when it is referred to God, requireth a sincere affection of the heart, and the heart cannot speak to God without newness of life. Therefore it doeth contain in it true repentance. God indeed forgiveth freely: but so, that his easiness to mercy, be not an enticement to sin.