A17649:75
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.
3 And in this we know, that we have known him if we keep his commandments. 4 He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. ⟨image 34⟩5 But he that keepeth his word in him is the love of God perfect indeed. In this we know that we are in him. 6 He that saith that he abideth in him, ought even so to walk as he hath walked.
3 And in this we knowe, that wee haue knowen him if we keep his cōmandements. 4 He that saith, I know him, and kepeth not his commaundements, is a lyar, and the truth is not in him. ⟨image 34⟩5 But he that keepeth his word in him is the loue of God perfect indeed. In this wee knowe that we are in him. 6 He that saith that he abideth in him, ought euen so to walke as he hath walked.
3 After he hath handled the doctrine of the free remission of sins, he cometh again to the exhortations annexed, & dependeth upon it: & first he admonisheth that the knowledge of God, which is conceived by the Gospel is not idle: but doth of it self bring forth obedience. Afterwards, he showeth, what God doth especially require of us, what is the chief in our life: namely, that we love God. That which we read here of the effectual knowledge of God, the Scripture doth not every where repeat without cause: for there is nothing more common to the world, then to draw the doctrine of godliness to vain speculations. After this manner was divinity adulterated among the sophistical Sorbonists, that of all their knowledge, not so much as the least spark of godliness could appear. And vain men every where do only learn from the word of God, that which they may babble out for ostentation sake. Finally, in all ages, this was too common an evil, to talk ⟨p. 18⟩vainly of the name of God. John therefore chooseth this principle, That the knowledge of God is effectual. Whereupon he gathereth, that they do not know God, that keep not his commandments. Plato, though groping in the dark in Phaedro, and other places denieth, that that excellent beauty which he imagineth can be known, but that it will forcibly carry a man into the admiration of it. Therefore how may it be, that thou canst know God, & be touched with no affection? Neither indeed doth this proceed only from the nature of God, that we immediately love him whom we know: but the same spirit which doth lighten our minds, doth like wise breath into our hearts an affection like unto our knowledge. Albeit the knowledge of God bringeth this with it, ye we fear & love him: for neither can we acknowledge him as he showeth himself to be Lord & father, except we yield our selves again to him obedient children and dutiful servants. Briefly, the doctrine of the gospel is a lively glass, wherein we beholding the image of God, are changed into it, as Paul teacheth.