The Institution of Christian Religion

Here are questions objected more than one. For the scripture reporteth that the lord granted certain desires which yet brake forth of a mind not quiet ⟨p. 221⟩nor well framed. Verily for a just cause: Joatham had avowed the inhabitants of Shechem,¹ to the destruction which afterward cane upon them: but yet god kindled with ferventness of anger & vengeance following his execration seemeth to allow ill-tempered violent passions.² Such heat also carried Samson when he said, Strengthen me O god, that I may take vengeance of the uncircumcised. For though there were some piece of good zeal mingled with it: yet a hot, & therefore faulty greediness of vengeance did bear rule therein. God granted it. Whereupon it seemeth that it may be gathered, that although the prayers be not framed according to the prescribed rule of the word, yet they obtain their effect. I answer first that a general law is not taken away by singular examples: again, that sometime special motions have ben put into a few men, whereby it came to pass that there was an other consideration of them than of the common people.³ For the answer of Christ is to be noted, when the disciples did undiscretly desire to counterfeit the example of Elijah, that they knew not with what spirit they were endued. But we must go yet further, & say that the prayers do not alway please god which he granteth: but that, so much as serveth for example that is by clear praise made plain which the scripture teacheth namely y• he succoureth the miserable, heareth the groanings of them which being unjustly troubled do crave his help: that therefore he executeth his judgments, when the complaints of the poor rise up to him, although they be unworthy to obtain anything be it never so little. For how oft hath he taking vengeance of the cruelties, robberies, violence, filthy lusts & other wicked doings of the ungodly, subduing their boldness & rage, & also overthrowing their tyrant nous power, testified that he helpeth the unworthily oppressed, which yet did beat the air with praying to an uncertain godhead?⁴