A17693:24
A sermon of the famous and Godly learned man, master John Calvin chief Minister…A sermon of the famous and Godly learned man, master Iohn Caluine chiefe Minister…
A sermon of the famous and Godly learned man, master John Calvin chief Minister and Pastor of Christs church at Geneva, containing an exhortation to suffer persecution for following Jesus Christ and his Gospel, upon this text following. Heb. 13. 13. Go ye out of the tents after Christ, bearing his rebuke. Translated out of French into english,A sermon of the famous and Godly learned man, master Iohn Caluine chiefe Minister and Pastour of Christs church at Geneua, conteining an exhortation to suffer persecution for followinge Iesus Christe and his Gospell, vpon this text following. Heb. 13. 13. Go ye out of the tents after Christe, bearing his rebuke. Translated out of French into english,
London: printed by Robert Waldegrave for Edward White, 1581London: printed by Robert VValdegraue for Edward VVhite, 1581
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.
1Now this doctrine as it is general, so ought it to be put in practise of all Christians: But every one ought to apply it to his own use as necessity shall require. I speak this to the end that they which see themselves in no apparent danger, should not think that it is superfluous unto them. They are not at this time in the hands of Tyrants: but what know they how God will deal with them hereafter Wherefore we ought to be so armed afore hand, that if any persecution, which we have not thought ⟨p. 14⟩upon, shall come upon us, we be not taken at unawares and unprovided.2 But I fear me that there are a great sort of deaf ears to hear this word. So far off is it, that they which are nice and live at their ease, prepare them selves to suffer death when need shall be, that they have no care to serve God whiles they live. And yet nevertheless this ought to be our ordinary and continual study, and specially in this time wherein we live. In the mean time they whom God hath called to suffer for the testimony of his name, ought to show in very deed that they were prepared long before, too stand thereto constantly. And then they ought to call into their remembrance all the exhortations that they have hard in times past: as if a soldier should take arms when the Trumpet doeth sound. But what there is no question of seeking starting holes to escape:3 I speak in respect of the greatest part: For persecution is a true touchstone whereby God discovereth and trieth who are his. So far of is it, that he should many times find who is faithful unto him, until that they frankly offer themselves to death. But this is as it were ⟨image 16⟩an incredible thing, that people which boast of some little knowledge of the Gospel,4 dare open their mouth to use such cavillations. For one sort say, what shall we game to confess our faith to obstinate people, and to such who have determined to fight against God? Is not this to cast precious stones before swine, As though Jesus Christ had not expressly declared that he will that men confess him amongst the most perverse & wickedst men. If they be not thereby edified, yet at the least they remain con founded: of such a sweet smelling savour is the confession before god, how deadly soever it be to the reprobate. Others also may be found who say, what shall our death profit?