A17683:164
The lectures or daily sermons, of that reverend divine, D. John Calvin, pastor of…The lectures or daily sermons, of that reuerend diuine, D. Iohn Caluine, pastor of…
The lectures or daily sermons, of that reverend divine, D. John Calvin, pastor of the Church of God in Geneva, upon the prophet Jonah, by N.B. student in Divinity. Whereunto is annexed an excellent exposition of the two last epistles of S. John, done in Latin by that worthy doctor, August. Marlorate, and englished by the same N.B.The lectures or daily sermons, of that reuerend diuine, D. Iohn Caluine, pastor of the Church of God in Geneua, vpon the prophet Ionas, by N.B. student in Diuinitie. Whereunto is annexed an excellent exposition of the two last epistles of S. Iohn, done in Latin by that worthy doctor, August. Marlorate, and englished by the same N.B.
London: printed by J. Charlewood for Edward White, 1578
Title page typeset from the transcription.
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.
But by this means, as I have already said, doth he solicit us, because that we see every one to wander and to vanish away in their luskishnesse: therefore draweth he back unwilling men unto him.
But by this meanes, as I haue already sayde, doth he solycite vs, because that we sée euerie one to wander and to vanishe awaye in their luskishnesse: therefore draweth he backe vnwylling men vnto him.
But Jonah saith not simply, that each man cried unto God, but also addeth, Unto his God. Even as therefore this place teacheth, that by necessity men are constrained to seek God: so also on the other side he showeth that the same men, unless they be governed by the celestial doctrine, and then also by the spirit of God, do err in the seeking of God. There shall be therefore in men a certain study, but it shall be erroneous, because no man can keep the right way, except the Lord direct them by his word and spirit, as is aforesaid. Both these things do we gather out of the words of the Prophet. The Shipmen feared, being rough fellows, and almost as hard as iron, which like a Cyclop tontempne God, They feared (saith he) and cried unto God: but they cried not, having faith for their directrix or guide, and hence came it to pass that each man cried to his own God. When we read this, let us first of all consider, that we ought not to wait, till God violently constrain us, but must prevent this last extremity that we of our own accord may seek him. For what profited it these Mariners or other Sailors, that once they cried unto God? for it is credible that a little after they revolted to their profane negligence: when they had escaped that peril, afterward they laughed at God, and all Religion also was of them contemned. And so is it accustomed to happen to men profane, which never submit them selves unto God, except they be thereunto compelled. Therefore let every one of us of his own accord offer him self unto God, yea, ⟨image 20⟩even while we be out of danger, and do enjoy chiefest quietness. For if we imagine that any pretence of unadvisedness, or of error, or folly may be objected of us, we are far deceived, because no excuse shall be admitted, seeing that experience doeth teach that the knowledge of God is naturally grafted: and again, this principle to be engraven in all men, that God governeth our life, that he only may deliver us from death, that it is his proper office to succour us and to help us. For how can it come to pass that these Mariners cried unto God? Came there thither any new Teacher which might preach unto them of godliness, and which in order might show God to be the deliverer of mankind? No verily: But already this thing, as I have said, by nature was imprinted in their hearts.