A17683:292
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.
Calvin. Here also more plainly is the mind & intent of the King expressed: even that by this means he studied to reconcile both him self and his people unto God. Some turn ⟨p. 52⟩this verse a •yttle otherwise thus: He which knoweth will convert, and repent. They read not this place interrogatively: but that reading cannot stand. In the mind of the Prophet, therefore there is nothing doubtful, that might make the King doubt at all, Who knoweth whether God will be favourable to •s? But here we see that the King was not overwhelmed with desperation, but that he yet thought upon a remedy, for to that end tendeth this verse.1 But this may seem contrary to the nature of Faith: and then if it be contrary to faith, it is also far from repentance. For Repentance and Faith, are things coupled together, as we have said in other places. For no man can of his own accord submit him self unto God: unless first he hath tasted of his goodness, and secondly, have conceived hope of salvation. For he that is only stricken with terror, will flee the presence and sight of God, and so on every side of him reigneth desperation: and then followeth Can••macie and rebellion. Question. Now then how could it be that the king of Nineveh indeed and without counterfeit or, did repent, and yet doubtingly entreateth of the grace of God? I answer: there is a kind of doubting, Answer. 2which may be joined together with faith: even that doubting, which doth not directly reject the promise of God, but yet hath many lets. For example. If a man be cast down with terror, and afterwards, taketh hart to him, having set before him the hope of pardon and salvation, yet by and by he shall not be void of all fear: because, as long as he beholdeth his sin, and is also enwrapped in other thoughts and cogitations, he shall waver and be diversely tossed in mind. There is no doubt therefore, but that the king of Nineveh conceived hope of salvation & safeguard: but in the mean time was perplexed in mind, as well for the preaching of Jonah, as for the guiltiness of his own sins. Two lets therefore there were which might call back the mind of the king from assurance and certainty of his safeguard, or at the least might stay him, that suddenly