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…

19 Praying also for me, that in opening my mouth, utterance may be given me, with boldness too utter the secret of the Gospel. 20 For the which I am an Ambassador in chains, too the end (I say) that I may speak freely as it becometh me too speak. 21 But that ye may also know of my state and what I do: Tychicus our deer brother and faithful minister in the Lord, shall show you all things: ⟨image 359⟩22 Whom I have sent unto you for the same purpose, that you might know my state, and he comfort your hearts. 23 Peace be to the brethren, and charity, with faith from God, and from our Lord Jesus Christ. 24 Grace be with all them which love our Lord Jesus Christ in pureness. Amen.

19 Praying also for mee, that in opening my mouth, vtterance may bee giuen mee, with boldnesse too vtter the secret of the Gospel. 20 For the which I am an Ambassadour in cheynes, too the end (I say) that I may speake freely as it becommeth mee too speake. 21 But that yee may also knowe of my state and what I do: Tychicus our deere brother and faythful minister in the Lord, shall shewe you all things: ⟨image 359⟩22 Whom I haue sent vntoo you for the same purpose, that you myght knowe my state, and he comfort your hartes. 23 Peace be to the brethren, and charitie, with fayth from God, and from our Lord Iesus Christ. 24 Grace bee with all them which loue our Lord Iesus Christ in purenesse. Amen.

We saw this morning how we ought too be careful in praying one for anther, and the fruit that cometh thereof: namely that every man which is a member of the Son of God, must assure him self, that the whole Church laboureth for him, and that generally both Jesus Christ and all his must be refused, if God pity us not. But heerewithal we have to mark also, that Saint Paul in commending himself too the prayers of the Church, is not so mindful of his body, as of the thing that is much excellenter, that is too wit, of the due executing of the charge and office committed unto him. If a man be sick, or in necessity in this world, or troubled by his enemies, we be wont too cry out for help and succour, and we would have every man too occupy himself for us. And why? For inasmuch as we be fleshly: as soon as we feel any disease in our body, we be sorry at the heart: but in the mean while we forget the chief point: that is too wit, the things that concern the everlasting salvation of our souls. Again, when it comes too the serving of God, every man thinks he is sufficient enough of himself too do it, without help of his neighbours. But Saint Paul showeth here, that he thinks not himself sufficient too execute the charge that is committed too him of preaching the Gospel, without help from above: and therefore he requireth the prayers of the Church. And afterward he showeth therewithal, that he maketh more account thereof, than of his life, notwithstanding that he were held as then in prison, yea and even chained. Ye see here that Saint Paul is held in straight ward, as a sorry offender, and looketh daily for nothing but death: and yet for all that, he careth not so much for his life, as for the advancement and preferment of Gods word: insomuch that he had lever dye,