The sermons of M. John Calvin, upon the Epistle of S. Paul too the…The sermons of M. Iohn Caluin, vpon the Epistle of S. Paule too the…

That then is the answer to this question and doubt which might be cast, whether it be not a point of distrust too desire other men too pray for us, seeing that every man may be heard him self, because that what things God hath joined together, men must not presume too put them asunder. For we must always bear in mind how it is said, that every man must occupy himself in praying, and moreover draw his neighbours too be matched with him: and so shall we ⟨p. 339⟩never be turned from the faith.

That then is the answere to this question and doubt which myght bee cast, whether it bee not a poynt of distrust too desyre other men too pray for vs, seeing that euery man may be heard him self, bycause that what things God hath ioyned toogither, men must not presume too put them asunder. For wee must alwayes beare in mynd howe it is sayd, that euery man must occupie himselfe in praying, and moreouer drawe his neyghbours too bee matched with him: and so shall wee ⟨p. 339⟩neuer bee turned from the fayth.

Now if any man object further, that our Lord Jesus Christ cannot be the only advocate and patron, if we make supplication one for another: the answer thereunto is easy. For it is said, that Jesus Christ is the only mediator, and that all men both great and small must resort too him too obtain our suits.¹ For unless our prayers be dedicated by his holiness, surely they shall ever be foul and infected. When Isaiah was commanded too bear the message that God had appointed,² he said, Alas my God, I am a man of unclean lips, and dwell among a people that is unclean also. How shall I do then when I must call upon my God, and speak familiarly too him as it were mouth too mouth, seeing we be full of uncleanness and infection? Now then, all our prayers must be sanctified by our Lord Jesus Christ, or else we shall never find favour at Gods hand. Also it is most certain that Christ is the only advocate and Intercessor, and that all the ancient Patriarchs were fain too hold that rule, and likewise the Prophets and Apostles in their times, and so must we also continue in the same. And yet for all that, we be not letted thereby too pray one for another, inasmuch as we have all but one common head, which is our Lord Jesus Christ, in whom all our prayers must be joined together, too the intent we may all with one accord, and with one well tuned melody protest, that we have none other welfare, than that it pleaseth God too have care of us, insomuch that that is our full felicity, and upon that trust we come right forth unto him. The mean then for us too continue evermore in the right way, and too see that our Lord Jesus Christ be not defaced, is too take him for our only advocate, and not too turn aside one way nor other after our own fond fancies, as is come to pass in the popedom. And we see that the papists have not bin ashamed too allege this text, too persuade us too pray too Saint Peter and Saint Paul, yea too Saints of the Popes own forging, or rather to the Idols whom the devil hath blown into his ear. But here we have too consider that we be commanded too pray mutually one for another, because God hath also commanded us too seek help and comfort at our neighbours hands. And our Lord willeth it so, and promiseth that we shall find it. After the same manner also doth Saint James speak of it.