A little book of John Calvins concerning offences whereby at this day divers are…A little booke of Iohn Caluines concernynge offences whereby at this daye diuers are…

And undoubtedly he punisheth sore in deed, when taking away the feeling of Religion, he casteth them headlong into this horrible blindness. As many men therefore as we see at this day like Lucian, scoff and ⟨image 65⟩jest at the whole Religion of Christ: as many also as we see like Epicures, set themselves to sale to all kind of naughtiness without the fear of God: so many examples of God's vengeance, let us know to be set before our eyes, which may commend unto us the worthiness and preciousness of the Gospel. Paul sayeth, that they were worthily given over to a reprobate mind, and to filthy and shameful lusts, who unjustly suppressed such knowledge of God, as may be conceived by the only beholding of the world: to the intent that they which had defrauded God of his honour, being subject to utter reproach, might receive the deserved hire of their unthankfulness. The greater sacrilege that the contempt of the Gospel is, so much the less marvel it is, if crueller punishment be taken thereof. And why so? For shall we confess that they deserved to be punished, who through their slothfulness suffered the little sparks to be quenched, which appeared in the framing of the world? and would we have them freely mock God, who of wilful malice do ⟨p. 54⟩overwhelm & extinguish the full brightness of the glory of God, shining in his Gospel? But if it be very good Justice, that God punish grievously the contempt and casting away of his grace, why are we offended to see the same punishment (which is commendable) put in execution? nay rather it would become us (as I have said already) that like as by this means God avoucheth the majesty of his Gospel, so the reverence thereof should be stablished in our minds: how can the Gospel be entertained as it is worthy, whereby he offereth and giveth him self to us in the person of his Son? And yet many do scarce vouchsafe the common honour upon this incomparable treasure: some tread it underfoot: some without remorse of conscience prefer the vain pleasures of the world before it: and many (as though it were some maygame,) do turn it in jesting to a heathenish pastime: but what followed thereupon? whereas before was at least yet some fear of God settled in their minds, now like a sort of dogs they bark against God.

And vndoubtedly he punisheth sore in déede, whē takynge away the fealinge of Religion, he casteth them headlong into this horrible blindnesse. As many men therefore as we sée at this day like Lucian, scoffe and