The Institution of Christian Religion

For, as in despair he condemneth himself to destruction, and not only confesseth himself to be tossed with doubting, but as if he were vanquished in battle, he leaveth nothing to himself, ⟨image 195⟩because God hath forsaken him, and hath turned to destroy him, the same hand that was wont to be his helper.¹ Wherefore not without cause he exhorteth his soul to return to her quietness, because he had found by experience, that he was tossed among troublesome waves. And yet (which is marvellous) in all these assaults, faith upholdeth the hearts of the godly, and is truly like unto a Date tree to endeavour and rise upward against all burdens, how great soever they be: as David, when he might seem to be utterly overwhelmed, yet in rebuking himself, ceaseth not to rise up to God. And truly he that striving with his own weakness, resorteth to faith in his troubles, is already in a manner conqueror. Which may be gathered by this sentence and other like:² Waite for the Lord, be strong, he shall strengthen they heart: wait for the Lord. He reproacheth himself of fearfulness, and in repeating the same twice, confesseth himself to be sometimes subject to many troublesome motions. And in the mean time he doth not only become displeased with himself in these faults, but earnestly endeavoureth to amendment. Truly if we will more nearly by good examination compare him with Achaz, there shall be found great difference.³ Isaiah was sent to bring remedy to the careful grief of the wicked king and hypocrite, and spake unto him in these words: Be in safeguard and be quiet: fear not, &c. But what did Achaz? As it was before said, that his heart was moved as the trees of the wood are shaken with wind, though he heard the promise, yet he ceased not to quake for fear. This therefore is the proper reward & punishment of unbelief, so to tremble for fear, that in temptation he turneth himself away from God, that doth not open to himself the gate by faith. Contrariwise the faithful whom the weighty burden of temptations maketh to stoop, and in a manner oppresseth, do constantly rise up, although not without trouble and hardiness. And because they know their own weakness, they pray with the Prophet: