Four sermons of Master John Calvin entreating of matters very profitable for our time,…Foure sermons of Maister Iohn Caluin entreating of matters very profitable for our time,…

Now too conclude, it remaineth that we mark well that which David addeth: that is, That he shall find the beauty of the Lord, and will consider his Temple: For this is not all to exercise our selves with the faithful in all the outward order of the Church, unless we have our eyes bent to this end, to know GOD better and better. Here there are two things requisite: one is that we be diligent to frequent sermons, and public prayers. The second is, that we know wherefore we frequent them. For many come thither with a foolish devotion, imagining that they have well acquitted themselves, when they have showed themselves at Church.

Nowe too conclude, it remaineth that wee marke well that which Dauid addeth: that is, That he shal finde the beautie of the Lorde, and will consider his Temple: For this is not all to exercise our selues with the faithfull in all the outward order of the Church, vnlesse we haue our eyes bente to this ende, to knowe GOD better and better. Heere there are two things requisite: one is that we be diligent to frequent sermons, and publique praiers. The seconde is, that we knowe wherefore wee frequente them. For manye come thither with a foolishe deuotion, imagining that they haue well acquitted themselues, whē they haue shewed themselues at Church.

Let us therefore my brethren take good heed, For it is to be feared, lest the most part find themselves condemned either in the one or in the other. Howe many be there that flee Sermons, and think themselves best at ease if they never hear any speaking thereof? But I leave them there, as those that fully show them selves too be contemners of God. Only I speak of the contempt or coldness that is in many, who never remember to come to the Sermon, unless that the Sunday put them in mind thereof: and yet they imagine they have done well, as though they would make up a number together of many running too God. The Bell may well ring daily, but it is enough if they show them selves at the end of the week. They are called four times every sunday: but they come very notably, if they be found there once. ⟨image 43⟩For there are that can sufficiently dispense, with themselves for coming once in xv. days. To be short the greatest sort of the multitude verify the old Proverb: The nearer the Church the further from God. Yea and some be of the number of those who have forsaken their country to come here to serve God, there are who yet in this behalf behave themselves negligently enough. What is too be done then? forasmuch as God hath showed himself unto us, let us behold his beauty. But we must not cast behind our back the manner of beholding it: and that is, that we be ravished in the love thereof, and changed into his likeness, as S. Paul saith.