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…

Then is it not enough for us too be warned of our duty, but we must also add this point of resorting unto God with acknowledgement of our wants and defaults. And furthermore let us all take notice in general, that the preaching of the Gospel is too high and weighty a charge, unless we be governed by Gods spirit: according also as Saint Paul crieth out in the second too the Corinthians: Who is sufficient for it?¹ When he speaketh of the preaching whereby men should be reconciled unto God, and certified of their salvation, whereby the kingdom of heaven is opened, whereby we ⟨p. 342⟩have witness of the forgiveness of our sins, and whereby the blood of our Lord Jesus Christ is given forth too wash us from all our steins: who is of ability meet for it (sayeth Saint Paul) except God make us able by working in us? For we cannot so much as think too do good. Yea we be so far of from having power too do any thing in deed, that we cannot so much as think one good thought, unless God give us it. Now then, let such as are called too the office of teaching Gods Church, understand their own weakness, and put themselves wholly into Gods hand, too be made able too discharge themselves, knowing that they shall never bring it too pass, no nor the hundred part of it, unless it be given them from above. And therefore let all men pray for those that are so ordained too be teachers and ministers of the word: for it is a singular gift of God, when we have such Shepherds of our souls, as are able too guide us well. Wherefore be it known both too great and small, that too maintain the Church in her perfect state and soundness, God must be fain too give power and strength too such as should teach, and men must pray for them: for in so doing, every man procureth his own welfare and salvation. And if we be negligent therein, it is a token that we make no reckoning, neither of our spiritual life, nor of the common welfare of the Church.

Then is it not ynough for vs too bee warned of our dewtie, but wee must also adde this poynt of resorting vntoo God with acknowledgment of our wantes and defaultes. And furthermore let vs all take notice in generall, that the preaching of the Gospell is too hygh and weyghtie a charge, vnlesse wee bee gouerned by Gods spirit: according also as Saint Paule cryeth out in the second too the Corinthians: Who is sufficent for it?¹