Divers sermons of Master John Calvin, concerning the divinity, humanity, and nativity of our…Diuers sermons of Master Iohn Caluin, concerning the diuinitie, humanitie, and natiuitie of our…

Now, that we might be the better confirmed in this doctrine, let us note, that when our Lord Jesus prayed, he did not only pray for himself, and for his own behoof, but hath so consecrated all our petitions and prayers, as that they are sanctified, and allowed of God according to his hearts desire, as is said in John,¹ He was sanctified, that we might be sanctified in him. And this may also be a very good conclusion for us. That he prayed, because his prayer is available, and strong, even at this day, by mean whereof we are all heard? And this reason we are highly to esteem of, when he saith, that the spirit is ready, but the flesh, weak: which declareth unto us, that we have all need, of that remedy which he here ordained for his Disciples. For many think, that if they be never so little well disposed, that they have gotten all the world: and this supposal in very deed maketh them nothing worth. And hereby they become soon after so idle, and cold, as that they fall from GOD, ⟨image 37⟩and contemn his aid: which is the cause also why God many times withdraweth him self & hideth his power. For it is good reason that when men trust too much unto them selves, they should be left to their own wills, that GOD might scorn their arrogant and foolish imagination. Wherefore, to the end, both great and small, might know and understand that they ought not lightly to pass over the help of God, and the graces which they have received of him, he must therefore always continue and increase that in them, which he hath given unto them, that they might be made strong. It is said here that the spirit is ready, &c. That is to say, that although we feel some willingness in our selves, and that God hath set us in the right way, and given us his hand, so that we may find by very good proof that he guideth us by his holy spirit: Although I say, we have all this, yet must we not be slack in praying. And why so? Because if we well consider the matter, we are no better then a puffed of wind.

Nowe, that wée might bée the better confirmed in this doctrine, let vs note, that when our Lorde Iesus prayed, hée did not onely pray for himselfe, and for his owne behoofe, but hath so consecrated all our petitions and prayers, as that they are sanctified, and allowed of God according to his heartes desire, as is saide in Iohn,¹