Dedication: ¶To the most reverend father in God and his special good Lord, Edmund by the grace of…, The sermons of M. John Calvin, upon the Epistle of S. Paul too the… (John Calvin, 1577) | AskReformation
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…
The sermons of M. John Calvin, upon the Epistle of S. Paul too the Ephesians. Translated out of French into English by Arthur GoldingThe sermons of M. Iohn Caluin, vpon the Epistle of S. Paule too the Ephesians. Translated out of French into English by Arthur Golding
John Calvin 1509–1564London: printed by Thomas Dawson for Lucas Harison, 1577
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.
What then, will some man say? Is it not too be taught? Is it not to be learned? Yes verily: and that with all earnestness and endeavour of mind: howbeit, not at all adventure, not in haste, not rashly, not presumptuously: but with singular circumspection, reverence, wariness and humility, as all the godly have used to do: least while we take upon us too swim without a bladder, before we have learned too bear our bodies upon the water, we be carried away with the violence of the stream, or sink for faintness ere we can recover too land again: or least (which worse is) while we be overcurious in meddling with the secretes of Gods Majesty, we be overwhelmed of his glory. How then may we wade safely in it too our benefit? Even by seeking of our selves in Jesus Christ. Let us see if we can find our selves there. For the scripture assureth us,1 that there is no salvation but only in Christ Jesus, nor no damnation to them that are in him. Now therefore,2 like as too know the original cause of our death and damnation, we must not range beyond the fall of our first father Adam,3 because that by him sin entered into the world, and by sin, death: so to find our recovery and salvation, we must not seek elsewhere than in Jesus Christ, because he is ordained to be the only propitiation and atonement for our sins,4 and there is not any other name, (that is to say, any other person or mean) given us whereby to be saved,5 than the only name of Jesus. For he is the way,6 the the truth,7 and the life: He is the light of the world:* He is the resurrection and the life: God is in him reconciling the world unto himself:9
What then, will some man say? Is it not too bee taught? Is it not to bee learned? Yis verily: and that with all earnestnesse and indeuer of mynd: howbeeit, not at al aduenture, not in haste, not rashly, not presumptuously: but with singular circumspection, reuerence, warenesse and humilitie, as al the godly haue vsed to doo: least whyle wee take vppon vs too swim without a bladder, before wee haue learned too beare our bodyes vppon the water, wee bee caryed away with the violence of the streame, or sink for fayntnesse ere wee can recouer too land agein: or least (which worse is) whyle wee bee ouercurious in medling with the secretes of Gods Maiestie, wee bee ouerwhelmed of his glory. How then may wee wade safely in it too our benefite? Euen by seeking of our selues in Iesus Christ. Let vs see if wee can fynd our selues there. For the scripture assureth vs,1 that there is no saluation but onely in Christ Iesus, nor no damnation to them that are in him. Now therefore,2 like as too knowe the originall cause of our death and damnation, wee must not raundge beyond the fall of our first father Adam,3 bycause that by him sinne entered into the world, and by sinne, death: so to fynd our recouerie and saluation, wee must not seeke elswhere than in Iesus Christ, bycause he is ordeyned to bee the onely propitiation and attonement for our sinnes,4 and there is not any other name, (that is to say, any other person or meane) giuen vs wherby to bee saued,5 than the onely name of Iesus. For he is the way,6 the the truth,7 and the lyfe: He is the lyght of the world:* He is the resurrection and the lyfe: God is in him reconcyling the world vnto himselfe:9 In him dwelleth the whole fulnesse of the Godhead bodily:10 God hath made him our Wisedome, Rightuousnesse,11 Holinesse,12 and Redemption: And he through ⟨image 5⟩his once offering vp of himselfe vppon the Crosse, hath perfected them for euer which are to bee sanctifyed,13 and is become the author of euerlasting saluation too as many as obey him. Inasmuch then as Iesus Christ is both God and man,14 and hath all power both in heauen and earth,15 and all knees must bow before him:
whosoever seeketh salvation out of Jesus Christ, doth but wander away after his own deceitful imaginations, never to find the thing that he seeketh, because that (as sayeth Saint John) he that hath not the son,1 hath not the father,2 and he that hath not the father, is a stranger too the covenants and promises of salvation, without hope and without God in the world, and so consequently in stead of the substance he ketcheth but a shadow or a dream or rather nothing at all. Nay rather he ketcheth everlasting damnation, according to this saying:3 He that believeth not in the son, shall not see light, but the wrath of God abideth upon him.4 And again, this is damnation (that is to say, the cause of damnation) that whereas light is come into the world, (which light is Christ) men have loved darkness better than light: that is to say, they have loved the blind imaginations and inventions of their own ignorant minds, better than the lightsome truth of Christs Gospel.
whosoeuer seeketh saluation out of Iesus Christ, dooth but wander away after his owne deceytfull imaginations, neuer to fynd the thing that he seeketh, bycause that (as sayeth Saint Iohn) he that hath not the sonne,1 hath not the father,2 and he that hath not the father, is a straunger too the couenauntes and promises of saluation, without hope and without God in the world, and so consequently in stead of the substance he ketcheth but a shadowe or a dreame or rather nothing at all. Nay rather he ketcheth euerlasting damnation, according to this saying:3 He that beleeueth not in the sonne, shall not see light, but the wrath of God abydeth vppon him.4 And agein, this is damnation (that is to say, the cause of damnation) that wheras light is come into the world, (which lyght is Christ) men haue loued darknesse better than lyght: that is to say, they haue loued the blynd imaginations and inuentions of their owne ignorant mynds, better than the lightsome truth of Christes Gospell.
Wherefore putting away all flattery and soothing of our selves,1 and taking to us the touchstone of Gods word, which is quick and effectual, and sharper than any two edged sword, entering in to the dividing asunder of the soul and the spirit, and of the sinews and marie, and sifting out the thoughts and conceits of the hart:2 let us examine our own consciences, whether we be in Christ, and Christ in us, or no. Our own consciences (at leastwise if they be not blinded with ignorance or hypocrisy) will certify us of the truth in that behalf. And if any man have not the record thereof in himself, he wander•h yet still in error, and knoweth not whither he goeth,3 no• i• what case he standeth. For they that are in Christ, have Christs spirit in them,4 and that spirit assureth their spirit, that they be the children of God. Now let us see if we ⟨image 6⟩have this warrant in our selves: we shall discern it by these marks following,5 and such other like. The scripture telleth us, that those which are in Christ Jesus, are become new creatures.6 That they be rooted, builded, and settled upon Christ by faith:7 That they walk as he walked, fashioned themselves after his example:8 That they have put off the old man, (that is to say, their own natural disposition) which is corrupted with deceitful lusts: and being renewed in the spirit of their mind, (that is to say, in the inward working of their hearts,) they have put on the new man,9 (that is to wit, a new disposition of mind, which is shaped like unto God in true righteousness and holiness:10 That they walk after the spirit, and not after the flesh, that is to say, that they live not after the liking of their own wit and will, but in obedience to the wisdom and will of God:11 That they have mortified their earthly members, that is to say, overmastered and subdued their sinful lusts and likings: That they be crucified too the world,12 and the world to them, that is to say, that they be no more entangled with the fond love and sinister affection of the world and worldly things, than if they were already dead, and had no more need of them at all:13 And finally that they be dead unto sin, but alive unto righteousness. Of all which sayings, and of a number more tending to the same purpose, the pith and effect is this, consisting of two members:
Wherefore putting away all flatterie and soothing of our selues,1 and taking to vs the touchstone of Gods word, which is quick and effectuall, and sharper than any two edged sword, entering in to the diuiding asunder of the soule and the spirit, and of the sinewes and marie, and sifting out the thoughts and conceytes of the hart:2 let vs examin our owne consciences, whether wee bee in Christ, and Christ in vs, or no. Our owne consciences (at leastwise if they bee not blynded with ignorance or hypocrisie) will certifie vs of the truth in that behalf. And if any man haue not the record thereof in himselfe, he wander•h yit still in errour, and knoweth not whyther he goeth,3 no• i• what cace he standeth. For they that are in Christ, haue Christes spirit in them,4 and that spirit assureth their spirit, that they bee the children of God. Now let vs see if wee ⟨image 6⟩haue this warrant in our selues: wee shall discerne it by these markes following,5 and such other lyke. The scripture telleth vs, that those which are in Christ Iesus, are become new creatures.6 That they bee rooted, buylded, and setled vpon Christ by fayth:7 That they walke as he walked, fashioned themselues after his example:8 That they haue put off the old man, (that is to say, their owne naturall disposition) which is corrupted with deceitfull lustes: and beyng renewed in the spirit of their mynd, (that is to say, in the inward working of their hartes,) they haue put on the new man,9 (that is to wit, a new disposition of mynd, which is shaped lyke vntoo God in true rightuousnesse and holinesse:10
Namely, that such as are rightly and unfeignedly in Christ, have utterly renounced their own wit, will, wisdom, strength, reputation, and righteousness: yea and quite and clean forsaken themselves, together with the world and all worldly things, and have given over themselves (as it were in bondage) all wholly unto Christ, taking him for their only God, Lord, Saviour, Father, Master, Teacher, Guide, Defender, Stay, Light, Righteousness, Holiness, Redemption, Wisdom, Strength, Reconciliation, Sacrifice, Alter, Temple, high Priest, and all in all: and therefore depending alonely upon him in all things, putting their whole hope, trust and confidence in him, waiting upon him as the servant upon his Master, or as the ⟨image 6⟩handmaid upon her mistress, or as the child upon his father: seeking his only honour and glory in all cases, conten•ed to bear the cross with him in suffering all manner of harms, wrongs, losses, despites, reproaches, miseries, and torments for his sake, that is to wit, for the truth of his Gospel, and for the righteousness of his kingdom: and finally making full account that as they on their part live not in themselves, but in him, nor to themselves, but to God, so he on his part will most plenteously and bountifully reward their labours beyond all that they can hope or conceive, and never fail them or withdraw himself from them even in this world, at their need. Out of the which root of true and lively faith, springeth forth this fruit (which is the second part or member that I spake of) to the full confirmation of our consciences, & to the open warranting of our being in Christ: namely that for the love of him, we employ our whole life to glorify God by endeavouring continually to edify, profit, and comfort our neighbours both in word and deed, earnestly, faithfully, and cheerfully, without respect of our selves or of our own commodities, •ase, profit, pleasure, yea or life, which is in deed the perfect charity. If we find this disposition of mind throughly rooted in us: then may we boldly and certainly conclude,1 that we be in Christ, and Christ in us:
Namely, that such as are rightly and vnfeynedly in Christ, haue vtterly renounced their owne wit, will, wisdome, strength, reputation, and rightuousnesse: yea and quyte and cleane forsaken themselues, togither with the world and all worldly things, and haue giuen ouer themselues (as it were in bondage) all wholly vnto Christ, taking him for their onely God, Lord, Sauiour, Father, Mayster, Teacher, Guyde, Defender, Stay, Light, Rightuousnesse, Holinesse, Redemption, Wisdome, Strength, Reconciliation, Sacrifize, Alter, Temple, high Priest, and all in all: and therefore depending alonely vppon him in all things, putting their whole hope, trust and confidence in him, wayting vppon him as the seruant vppon his Mayster, or as the ⟨image 6⟩handmayd vppon hir mistresse, or as the chyld vppon his father: seeking his onely honour and glory in all caces, conten•ed to beare the crosse with him in suffering all manner of harmes, wrongs, losses, despytes, reproches, myseries, and torments for his sake, that is to wit, for the truth of his Gospell, and for the rightuousnesse of his kingdome: and finally making full account that as they on their part lyue not in themselues, but in him, nor to themselues, but to God, so he on his part will most plenteously and bountifully reward their labours beyond all that they can hope or conceiue, and neuer fayle them or withdraw himself from them euen in this world, at their neede. Out of the which roote of trew and liuely faith, springeth foorth this fruite (which is the second part or member that I spake of) to the full confirmation of our consciences, & to the open warranting of our beyng in Christ: namely that for the loue of him, wee imploy our whole lyfe to glorify God by indeuering continually to edefy, profit, and comfort our neyghbours both in word and deede, earnestly, faythfully, and cheerefully, without respect of our selues or of our owne commodities, •ase, profit, pleasure, yea or lyfe, which is in dede the perfect charitie. If wee fynd this disposition of mynd throughly rooted in vs: then may wee boldly and certeinly conclude,1 that wee bee in Christ, and Christ in vs:
that the life which we live as now in the flesh (that is to say, in this world) we live by belief in the son of God, or rather that it is not we that live, but the son of God which liveth in us, that we be led by Gods spirit, and consequently that we be his children and heirs of his blessed and everlasting kingdom with Christ, as chosen and predestinated thereto in him before all worlds.
that the life which we lyue as now in the fleshe (that is to say, in this world) wee lyue by beleefe in the sonne of God, or rather that it is not wee that lyue, but the sonne of God which lyueth in vs, that wee bee led by Gods spirit, and consequently that wee bee his children and heyres of his blessed and euerlasting kingdome with Christ, as chozen and predestinated therto in him before all worlds.
Howbeit, forasmuch as we carry the old Adam continually about us, who cannot be put quite and clean away but by death.1 And the flesh not only lusteth, but also wrestleth and fighteth so mightily against the spirit, that oftentimes it weakeneth, woundeth, overthroweth, yea and (as sayeth Saint Paul) leadeth us captive to the law or service of sin:2 Insomuch ⟨image 7⟩that there is not so stout a soldier in Christ, but he is compelled to say with the same Paul,3 The good that I would do, I do not, but the evil which I hate, that do I: by reason whereof the grief and anguish of his mind enforce him too cry out (at leastwise in his hart,)4 […] that I am, who shall deliver me from this body of sin••. The weak conscience of the frail sinner, finding how far he cometh short of the true effects and fruits of perfect Christianity heretofore described, is stricken in great heaviness, and dwelleth in doubt whether he be yet in Christ or no. By means whereof, he not only taketh no comfort in the doctrine of Gods eternal election and predestination: but also is the more abashed and dismayed at it. In this case we must not resort for remedy too flesh and blood, that is too say, too the persuasions of worldly wisdom, or of mans own natural reason and understanding, but too Gods holy word, which being the very food and healthful salve of our souls, alonely is able to pacify the vexed conscience, and to cheer up the drooping and dying hart. This, besides other comforts, whereof more shall be rehearsed hereafter in place more convenient, telleth us that there are ages and degrees in Christ and Christianity,5 and that our life is a continual warfare,6 wherein we must maintain battle, not only against the troubles and adversities of this world, but also against our selves, that is to say, against the vices and affections of our own corrupt and sinful nature,7 yea and (as sayeth Saint Paul in this present Epistle too the Ephesians) against principalities and powers,8 against the Lords of this world, which are the rulers of the darkness of this world, even the wicked spirits that are above. To be s•ort, we must endure continual conflict against the world, the flesh, and the devil. And this warfare is to be sustained and borne out, not by our own strength and policy,9 but by the power and wisdom of Christ in us.
Howbeit, forasmuch as wee carrie the old Adam continually about vs, who cannot bee put quyte and cleane away but by death.1 And the flesh not onely lusteth, but also wrestleth and fyghteth so myghtily ageinst the spirit, that oftentymes it weakeneth, woundeth, ouerthroweth, yea and (as sayeth Saint Paule) leadeth vs captiue to the lawe or seruice of sinne:2 Insomuch ⟨image 7⟩that there is not so stout a souldyer in Christ, but he is compelled to say with the same Paule,3 The good that I would doo, I doo not, but the euill which I hate, that doo I: by reason whereof the greefe and anguish of his mynd inforce him too cry out (at leastwise in his hart,)4〈…〉 that I am, who shall deliuer mee from this body of sin••. The weake conscience of the frayle sinner, fynding how farre he commeth short of the trew effectes and fruites of perfect Christianitie heretoofore described, is stryken in great heauinesse, and dwelleth in doubt whether he bee yit in Christ or no. By meanes wherof, he not only taketh no comfort in the doctrine of Gods eternall election and predestination: but also is the more abashed and dismayed at it. In this cace wee must not resort for remedie too fleshe and blud, that is too say, too the perswasions of worldly wisdome, or of mans owne natural reason and vnderstanding, but too Gods holy woord, which beyng the very foode and healthfull salue of our soules, alonely is able to pacify the vexed conscience, and to cheere vp the drooping and dying hart. This, besydes other comfortes, wherof mo shall bee reherced hereafter in place more conuenient, telleth vs that there are ages and degrees in Christ and Christianitie,5 and that our lyfe is a continuall warfare,6 wherin wee must mainteyne battell, not onely ageinst the trubbles and aduersities of this world, but also ageinst our selues, that is to say, ageinst the vices and affections of our owne corrupt and sinfull nature,7 yea and (as sayeth Saint Paule in this present Epistle too the Ephesians) ageinst principalities and powers,
Again, the scripture telleth us, that as long as we live in this world, (be we never so forward, willing, and circumspect in our doings) our knowledge is unperfect,1 our love unperfect, our faith unperfect, and all our ⟨image 7⟩righteousness is as a defiled cloth:2 so that even the godlyest […] holyest men that ever were, are, or shall be, must be fain […] confess with David,3 that only those are blessed whose […] are forgiven, and whose iniquities are covered, and too […] out with the Publican,4 God be merciful too me wretched sinner:5 always yielding him this praise, that it is on•••he which forgiveth all our sins, and healeth all our infyr•••ities.6 For if we think we have no sin, or that we may •ee quite and clean rid of sin, so long as we bear the earthly tabernacle of this frail body of flesh and blood about […]: we deceive our selves, and the truth is not in us. Therefore we must hold fast the foundation too the end, which foundation is the free forgiveness of sins through Jesus Christ, believing and hoping to be justified, (that is too say, to be accepted for innocent and righteous, and to be endued with power of the holy Ghost,) not by the deeds of the Law, nor by our own works or inventions, but by the obedience and righteousness of Christ. And therewithal, upon assured trust of his strength and assistance, we must fight manfully against our own lusts, and against all manner of temptations and crosses, with the weapons of Gods word, continual and hearty repentance, fervent prayer, often fasting, and earnest endeavour of amendment, so as we suffer not sin to overmaster us,7 and too reign in our mortal bodies, by our fulfilling of the lusts thereof,8 but delight in the law of God with the inward man, that is too say, unfeignedly with the whole hart,9 for as God requireth truth in the inward parts, so hateth he the deceitful man.10 So then, we must neither sin wilfully and presumptuously, nor despair and shrink away from God when we have sinned: nor play the hypocrites in justifying our selves towards God or the world. But like as we must continually pray God to keep us from presumptuous sins,11 and beware in any wise that they get not the upper hand of us: so when we have offended, by what mean so ever it be, or how often so ever it be, (as who is he that sinneth not?12
Agein, the scripture telleth vs, that as long as wee lyue in this world, (bee wee neuer so foreward, willing, and circumspect in our doyngs) our knowledge is vnperfect,1 our loue vnperfect, our fayth vnperfect, and all our ⟨image 7⟩ryghtuousnesse is as a defyled cloth:2 so that euen the godlyest 〈…〉 holyest men that euer were, are, or shalbee, must bee faine 〈…〉 confesse with Dauid,3 that onely those are blissed whose 〈…〉 are forgiuen, and whose iniquities are couered, and too 〈…〉 out with the Publicane,4 God bee mercifull too mee wret••ed sinner:5 alwayes yeelding him this prayse, that it is on•••he which forgiueth all our sinnes, and healeth all our infyr•••ities.6 For if wee thinke wee haue no sinne, or that wee may •ee quyte and cleane rid of sinne, so long as wee beare the •arthly tabernacle of this frayle body of fleshe and blud about 〈…〉: wee deceyue our selues, and the truth is not in vs. Therefore wee must hold fast the foundation too the ende, which foundation is the free forgiuenesse of sinnes through Iesus Christ, beleeuing and hoping to bee iustifyed, (that is too say, to bee accepted for innocent and ryghtuous, and to bee indewed with power of the holy Ghost,) not by the deedes of the Lawe, nor by our owne workes or inuentions, but by the obedience and ryghtuousnesse of Christ. And therewithall, vppon assured trust of his strength and assistance, wee must fyght manfully ageinst our owne lustes, and ageinst all maner of temptations and crosses, with the weapons of Gods word, continuall and hartie repentance, feruent prayer, often fasting, and earnest indeuer of amendment, so as wee suffer not sinne to ouermayster vs,
Or rather who can tell how oft he offendeth?) ⟨image 8⟩We must rise again continually by repentance and faith: so as although our sins seem never so grievous and heinous in our own eyes, yet must we yield God the honour, as well of faithfulness and mercy in pardoning our often manifold and grievous falls, as of righteousness in sanctifying us with the fruits of true godliness, and of strength in upholding and maintaining us by the mighty power of his spirit, or of Justice in correcting and punishing us for our misdeeds and offences.1 For we be sure that if any of us do sin, we have a faithful advocate with the father, even Jesus Christ the righteous, who is the atonement maker for our sins, and not for our sins only, but also for the sins of the whole world. Insomuch that if it were possible for one man to have in him the full gilt and grievous burden of all the particular sins of all men: yet ought not the same man too despair, or to doubt of the clear forgiveness and utter release thereof, upon his hearty repentance and unfeigned amendment, so long as Christ liveth and sitteth at the right hand of God, making intercession for us. For like as God himself is infinite, so is his mercy infinite also, towards all such as take hold of it by faith in Jesus Christ. And too the intent we should take hold of it, he assureth us of it with an oath, saying: as truly as I live I desire not the death of a sinner,2 but rather that he should turn from his wickedness and live: and in what hour so ever he repenteth him of his sins from the bottom of his hart, I will put all his wickedness out of my remembrance, sayeth the Lord. Moreover, although we endeavour to keep a clear conscience towards God, and to lead a blameless life through charity towards men, according to the prescript rule of Gods law:
Or rather who can tell how oft he offendeth?) ⟨image 8⟩Wee must ryse agein continually by repentance and fayth: so as although our sinnes seeme neuer so greeuous and heynous in our owne eyes, yit must we yeeld God the honour, as well of faythfulnesse and mercy in pardoning our often manifold and greeuous falles, as of ryghtuousnesse in sanctifying vs with the fruites of true godlynesse, and of strength in vpholding and mainteyning vs by the mighty power of his spirit, or of Iustice in correcting and punishing vs for our misdeedes and offences.1 For wee bee sure that if any of vs doo sinne, wee haue a faythfull aduocate with the father, euen Iesus Christ the rightuous, who is the attonement maker for our sinnes, and not for our sinnes onely, but also for the sinnes of the whole world. Insomuch that if it were possible for one man to haue in him the full gilt and greeuous burthen of all the particular sinnes of all men: yit ought not the same man too despayre, or to doubt of the cleere forgiuenesse and vtter release therof, vpon his hartie repentance and vnfeyned amendment, so long as Christ lyueth and sitteth at the right hand of God, making intercession for vs. For lyke as God himselfe is infinite, so is his mercy infinite also, towardes all such as take hold of it by fayth in Iesus Christ. And too the intent wee should take hold of it, he assureth vs of it with an othe, saying: as truely as I lyue I desyre not the death of a sinner,2 but rather that he should turne from his wickednesse and liue: and in what houre so euer he repenteth him of his sinnes from the bottom of his hart, I will put all his wickednesse out of my rememberance, sayeth the Lord. Moreouer, although we indeuer to keepe a cleare conscience towardes God, and to leade a blamelesse lyfe through charitie towardes men, according to the prescript rule of Gods lawe:
yet our so doing must not be with intent too purchase grace, favour, or righteousness thereby at Gods hand, (for that belongeth only unto Christ, and no man living shall be justified by the deeds of the law) nor to glorify our selves to the worldward, (for whosoever seeketh the glory of men, is destitute of the glory of God, and hath received his reward already,)1 but only to glorify God ⟨image 8⟩[…] showing forth the mighty working of his spirit in us,2•o […] benefit of our neighbours, to th• stablishing of our own •••sciences in the faith, and to the confusion and shame of […] adversaries, which do slanderously misreport the doc••• of salvation which we profess.
yit our so doyng must not be with intent too purchace grace, fauour, or ryghtuousnesse therby at Gods hand, (for that belongeth onely vnto Christ, and no man liuing shall be iustifyed by the deedes of the lawe) nor to glorify our selues to the worldward, (for whosoeuer seeketh the glory of men, is destitute of the glory of God, and hath receyued his reward already,)1 but onely to glorify God ⟨image 8⟩〈…〉 shewing foorth the myghtie woorking of his spirit in vs,2•o 〈…〉 benefite of our neyghbours, to th• stablishing of our owne •••sciences in the faith, and to the confuzion and shame of 〈…〉•duersaries, which doo slaunderously misreport the doc••• of saluation which wee professe.
[…] we deal after this manner, then doth Gods word put […] of all doubt,1 that sin shall not get the upper hand of […] because we be not under the law, but under grace. And […] continual maintaining & renewing of the battle against […], the world, and our own flesh, assureth us, that although […] be never so full of infirmities, yet are we grafted into Christ,2 and grown into him by resembling his death, in that […] have crucified, and daily labour to crucify the old man […] him:3 by means whereof we grow up again into the •••enesse of his resurrection, through newness of life to the ••ory of God for ever. Finally, it warranteth us that we be […] grounded and settled in Gods Election, so as we cannot […] any wise perish. For Satan is not divided against himself: […] worldlings hate not the world,4 nor the things therein: ••esh and blood mislike no• the corruption of the old Adam: other can any man come unto Christ, except the father draw […]. Now then, seeing that to strive against sin, and too […] continually by repentance after the manner afore mention ed, and to do all things of mere love, cometh not of our […], (for the natural man is not obedient to Gods will, no••er can be:)5 but of God the father of all mercy, comfort, and […], from whom every good and perfect gift cometh, who […] of his own free goodness worketh in us both the will […] the performance thereof by the power of his spirit:6 And ••eyng that the shedding of his spirit after that sort into our ••rtes (being the earnest penny of salvation, and seal of our […] option, to strengthen our weakness, and to warrant and […] us against all temptations) is a sure and infallible proof […] Gods love towards us,7 according to •his saying of S. John, […] do we know that we dwell in him; and he in us, that […] hath given us of his spirit: thereupon followeth an argument ⟨image 9⟩grounded upon the nature of God, which leadeth us directly and comfortably to the point of Predestination, and is the very knot and conclusion of that matter.8 For inasmuch as God is unchangeable, so as there is no alteration of mind or purpose in him, too fancy one thing to day, and another too morrow, or too determine and repeal again, and so consequently too hate and love by turns and fits:9 (for Gods gifts and callings are such, ash cannot repent him of them:)
〈…〉 wee deale after this maner, then dooth Gods woord put 〈…〉 of all doubt,1 that sinne shall not get the vpper hand of 〈…〉 bycause wee bee not vnder the lawe, but vnder grace. And 〈…〉 continuall mainteyning & renewing of the battell ageinst 〈…〉, the world, and our owne flesh, assureth vs, that although 〈…〉 bee neuer so full of infirmities, yit are wee graffed intoo •hrist,2 and growen into him by resembling his death, in that 〈…〉 haue crucifyed, and dayly labour to crucifye the old man 〈…〉 him:3 by meanes wherof wee growe vp agein intoo the •••enesse of his resurrection, through newnesse of lyfe to the ••ory of God for euer. Finally, it warranteth vs that wee bee 〈…〉 grounded and setled in Gods Election, so as wee cannot 〈…〉 any wyse perish. For Satan is not diuided ageinst himselfe: 〈…〉 worldlinges hate not the world,4 nor the things therin: ••esh and blud mislyke no• the corruption of the old Adam: other can any man come vnto Christ, except the father draw 〈…〉. Now then, seeying that to striue ageinst sinne, and too 〈…〉 continually by repentance after the maner afore mentio• ed, and to doo all things of mere loue, commeth not of our 〈…〉, (for the naturall man is not obedient to Gods will, no••er can bee:)5 but of God the father of all mercy, comfort, and , from whom euery good and perfect gift commeth, who of his owne free goodnesse worketh in vs both the wyll the performance therof by the power of his spirit:
it must needs follow, that he loved us before all worlds, and that the same love of his caused him too choose and predestinate us too salvation before we had any being, yea even everlastingly before all time: and also that the same love shall never leave us, until it have brought us too the endless fruition of his heavenly glory, because that whom he loveth, he loveth to the end,1 and because that forasmuch as the spirit of him that raised up Jesus dwelleth in us, he that raised up Jesus will also quicken our mortal bodies, through his spirit which dwelleth in us▪ For when we be come so far forward as to find our selves in Christ, & by Christ to take hold of Gods free love, and by his love to climb up to his eternal election: then resting upon the foresaid argument of the unvariable and unchangeable nature of God, (which not even the heathen, I mean the wiser sort of them, did ever deny, or in manner doubt of:) we knit the eternity to come with the eternity past, and conclude determinately in our selves, that there is now no damnation to us that are in Christ Jesus.
it must needes follow, that he loued vs before all worldes, and that the same loue of his caused him too chooze and predestinate vs too saluation before wee had any beeing, yea euen euerlastingly before all tyme: and also that the same loue shall neuer leaue vs, vntyll it haue brought vs too the endlesse fruition of his heauenly glory, bycause that whom he loueth, he loueth to the end,1 and bycause that forasmuch as the spirit of him that raysed vp Iesus dwelleth in vs, he that raysed vp Iesus will also quicken our mortall bodyes, through his spirit which dwelleth in vs▪ For when wee bee come so farre forward as to fynd our selues in Christ, & by Christ to take hold of Gods free loue, and by his loue to clymb vp to his eternall election: then resting vppon the foresayd argument of the vn•ariable and vnchaungeable nature of God, (which not euen the heathen, I meane the wyser sort of them, did euer deny, or in maner doubt of:) wee knit the eternitie to come with the eternitie past, and conclude determinately in our selues, that there is now no damnation to vs that are in Christ Iesus.
Yea and out of this conclusion springeth such inestimable comfort and inward joy of mind, as enforceth us to burst out into this bold, but yet most godly boasting on Gods behalf▪ which Saint Paul describeth in the eight too the Romans, saying: I am fully persuaded, that neither life, nor death, nor Angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature can separate us from Gods love, which he beareth us in Jesus Christ our Lord. And seeing that God is on our side, ⟨image 9⟩who shall be against us? Seeing he hath not spared his only son, but hath given him for us all: how should he not give us all things with him? Who shall lay any thing to the charge of us whom God hath chosen? God hath acquitted us, who •hen can condemn us? Christ hath dyed for us, yea and is risen again for us, and also sitteth at Gods right hand and maketh intercession for us.1 Now if he dyed for us, then are we sure that we dyed all in him, and likewise that as he is risen,2 so we are risen again with him, never to dye any more, for death hath not any more power over him,3 but forasmuch as we be his members, we do sit with him already in the heavenly places by hope, only waiting for the day of his coming to judgment,4 at the which time, our life which as yet lieth hidden with him in God, shall be showed openly, and we shall appear with him in glory.
Yea and out of this conclusion springeth such inestimable comfort and inward ioy of mynd, as inforceth vs to burst out into this bold, but yit most godly boasting on Gods behalfe▪ which Saint Paule describeth in the eyght too the Romanes, saying: I am fully perswaded, that nother lyfe, nor death, nor Angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor heigth, nor depth, nor any other creature can separate vs from Gods loue, which he beareth vs in Iesus Christ our Lord. And seeyng that God is on our syde, ⟨image 9⟩who shalbee ageinst vs? Seeing he hath not spared his onely sonne, but hath giuen him for vs all: how should he not giue vs all things with him? Who shall lay any thing to the charge of vs whom God hath chozen? God hath acquitted vs, who •hen can condemne vs? Christ hath dyed for vs, yea and is rizen agein for vs, and also sitteth at Gods ryght hand and maketh intercession for vs.1 Now if he dyed for vs, then are wee sure that wee dyed all in him, and lykewyze that as he is rizen,2 so wee are rizen agein with him, neuer to dye any more, for death hath not any more power ouer him,3 but forasmuch as wee bee his members, wee doo sit with him already in the heauenly places by hope, only wayting for the day of his comming to iudgment,4 at the which tyme, our lyfe which as yit lyeth hidden with him in God, shalbee shewed openly, and wee shall appeere with him in glory.
And this assured persuasion or belief of Gods love, grounded upon his eternal predestination, kindleth in us as it were a counter love towards God, and a contempt of all worldly things, be they never so sweet or sower, pleasant or painful: wherethrough we do cheerfully answer on our own behalf accordingly as is set down in the foresaid eighth Chapter to the Romans: Who shall pluck away our love from Christ? Shall oppression, or anguish, or persecution, or hunger, or nakedness, or danger, or sword, according as it is written, for thy sake are we slain all the day long, and accounted as sheep appointed to the slaughter? No surely: in all these things we be more then conquerors through him that loved us, that is too wit, through God working in us.1 And therefore having our eye fast set continually upon the foreleader and finisher of our faith Jesus Christ, who for the joys sake that was set before him, did willingly abide the Cross, and the reproachful misusages which he was most spitefully put unto:2 we do not faint or wax cold, but although our outward man be consumed, yet our inward man is daily renewed, insomuch that we rejoice •uen in tribulations, knowing that tribulation br••deth patience, ⟨image 10⟩patience breedeth experience, experience breedeth hope, and hope maketh not ashamed. For we be sure that our enduring of affliction for a short time, will yield us an incomparable weight of unspeakable and everlasting glory. In respect whereof we make no more account of all the adversities of this world, than of fleabytings, and therefore we look not upon the things that are seen, but upon the things that are not seen, because the things that are seen, are transitory, but the things that are seen, are everlasting.
And this assured perswasion or beleef of Gods loue, grounded vppon his eternall predestination, kindleth in vs as it were a counter loue towardes God, and a contempt of all worldly thinges, bee they neuer so sweete or sower, pleazant or peynfull: wherethrough wee doo cheerfully answere on our owne behalfe accordingly as is set downe in the foresayd eyghth Chapter to the Romans: Who shall plucke away our loue from Christ? Shall oppression, or anguish, or persecution, or hunger, or nakednesse, or daunger, or swoord, according as it is written, for thy sake are we slayne all the day long, and accounted as sheepe appoynted to the slaughter? No surely: in all these things wee be more then conquerours through him that loued vs, that is too wit, through God woorking in vs.1 And therefore hauing our eye fast set continually vppon the foreleader and finisher of our fayth Iesus Christ, who for the ioyes sake that was set before him, did willingly abyde the Crosse, and the reprochefull misusages which he was most spytfully put vntoo:2 wee doo not faynt or wexe cold, but although our outward man bee consumed, yit our inward man is dayly remewed, insomuch that we reioyce •uen in tribulations, knowing that tribulation br••deth pacience, ⟨image 10⟩pacience breedeth experience, experience breedeth hope, and hope maketh not ashamed. For wee bee sure that our induring of affliction for a short tyme, will yeeld vs an incomporable weyght of vnspeakable and euerlasting glory. In respect whereof wee make no more account of all the aduersities of this world, than of fleabytings, and therefore wee looke not vppon the things that are seene, but vppon the things that are not seene, bycause the things that are seene, are transitorye, but the thinges that are seene, are euerlasting.
Now then, the sum of the things aforesaid, is this. That whereas there is no salvation, no election, no favour, no blessing, no benefit to be had, hoped, or sought for at Gods hand, but only in and by our Lord Jesus Christ: it is showed for the comfort of the weaker sort, that in this spiritual battle against the world, the flesh, and the devil, those are not counted to be out of Christ, which being Baptized into him, and professing themselves to be Christians, do notwithstanding fall through simple ignorance and infirmity of nature, or are violently borne down, wounded, or carried away at times by the force of overmighty temptations: but either such as having their conscience seared or benumbed, do welter in sin without feeling of any remorse: or which feeling the sting of sin and hartbyting of the law, do nevertheless make such account of the filthy pleasures of the flesh, the vanities of the world, and the fulfilling of their own wicked wills, that they continue in sin wilfully and wittingly, or rather maliciously and presumptuously, even against the continual testimony and exclamation of their own consciences: or else which through a certain faintness of hart, and cowardly misbelief, by reason of overmuch minding of their own weakness, and of the horribleness of their sins without the remedies that God hath ordained for the same, do utterly castaway their armour and weapon, and either out of hand give over, and as it were betray themselves too the enemy of mankind without any resistance: or soon after forsake ⟨image 10⟩the field upon despair of victory, without returning any more into the battle, or without craving the help and ••ccour of their Captain Christ, as who would say, they looked […] get the upper hand, and to stand by their own strength at ••eir own appointment, and not at Gods appointment, ••rough his power and mercy in Christ.
Now then, the summe of the things aforesayd, is this. That wheras there is no saluation, no election, no fauour, no blessing, no benefyte to bee had, hoped, or sought for at Gods hand, but onely in and by our Lord Iesus Christ: it is shewed for the comfort of the weaker sort, that in this spirituall battell ageinst the world, the fleshe, and the diuell, those are not counted to be out of Christ, which beyng Baptized into him, and professing themselues to bee Christians, doo notwithstanding fall through simple ignorance and infirmitie of nature, or are violently borne downe, wounded, or caryed away at tymes by the force of ouermightie tēptations: but eyther such as hauing their conscience seared or benommed, doo welter in sinne without feeling of any remorse: or which feeling the sting of sinne and hartbyting of the lawe, doo neuerthelesse make such account of the filthie pleasures of the fleshe, the vanities of the world, and the fulfilling of their owne wicked willes, that they continew in sinne wilfully and wittingly, or rather maliciously and presumptuously, euen ageinst the continuall testimonie and exclamation of their owne consciences: or else which through a cerrein feintnesse of hart, and cowardly misbeleefe, by reason of ouermuch mynding of their owne weaknesse, and of the horriblenesse of their sinnes without the remedyes that God hath ordeyned for the same, doo vtterly castaway their armour and weapon, and eyther out of hand giue ouer, and as it were betray themselues too the enemie of mankynd without any resistence: or soone after forsake ⟨image 10⟩the feeld vppon despayre of victory, without returning any more into the battell, or without crauing the helpe and ••ccour of their Captein Christ, as who would say, they looked 〈…〉 get the vpper hand, and to stand by their owne strength at ••eir owne appoyntment, and not at Gods appoyntment, ••rough his power and mercie in Christ.
Of which kind of people the cowardliness is so much the more shameful and blameworthy, because God hath given them such a Saviour & Captain, as is both able & willing too minister strength too them be they never so weak and feeble, health, be they never so sick or diseased, soundness, be they never so sore wounded or maimed, courage, be they never so faint and weary, victory, be they never so much oppressed and overmatched, righteousness, be they never so sinful and wicked, yea and even life though they be dead. For Christ himself being the Physician of our souls, our health, our welfare, our light, our resurrection, our life, and the very truth it self, which cannot lye nor deceive, (to the intent we should be willing too resort unto him, and have assured warrant of hope and comfort,) calleth and allureth us in this wise unto him:1 Come unto me all ye that are weary and overladen,2 and I will refresh you: Be of good cheer, I have overcome the world, and so shall you also by faith in me:3 Although your sins be as read as scarlet, I will make them as white as snow:4 I will refuse none that cometh to me, but though he be dead, yet shall he live, for I will raise him up at the last day:5 If ye suffer with me, ye shall also reign with me in glory:6 Resist the devil, and he shall flee from you, so that the very gates of hell shall not prevail against you:* Ask what you will of my father in my name, and it shall be done unto you: Ask and ye shall have, seek and ye shall find,8 knock and it shall be opened unto you, possess ye your souls through patience. Besides this, he putteth us not too the doing of any thing which he himself hath not first done for our sakes, to give us the more comfort and encouragement by his own example. If we be ⟨image 11⟩tempted,9 so was he. If we be smitten for our sins, so was he: for he bare our infirmities,10 and the penalty of our transgressions was laid upon him. If we be tried and nurtured with correction of the cross, so was he: insomuch that although he was the son of God,11 yet learned he obedience by the things that he suffered. If we be abased, so was he:
Of which kynd of people the cowardlinesse is so much the more shamefull and blamewoorthie, bycause God hath giuen them such a Sauyour & Captein, as is both able & willing too minister strength too them bee they neuer so weake and feeble, health, bee they neuer so sicke or diseazed, soundnesse, bee they neuer so sore wounded or maymed, corage, bee they neuer so faynt and weery, victory, bee they neuer so much oppressed and ouermatched, ryghtuousnesse, bee they neuer so sinfull and wicked, yea and euen lyfe though they bee dead. For Christ himselfe beeing the Phisition of our soules, our health, our welfare, our lyght, our resurrection, our lyfe, and the very truth it selfe, which cannot lye nor deceyue, (to the intent wee should bee willing too resott vntoo him, and haue assured warrant of hope and comfort,) calleth and allureth vs in this wyse vntoo him:1 Come vntoo mee all yee that are weery and ouerloden,2 and I will refreshe you: Bee of good cheere, I haue ouercome the world, and so shall you also by fayth in mee:3 Although your sinnes bee as read as scarlet, I will make them as whyte as snowe:4 I will refuze none that commeth to mee, but though he bee dead, yit shall he lyue, for I will rayze him vp at the last day:5 If yee suffer with mee, yee shall also reigne with mee in glory:6 Resist the diuell, and he shall flee from you, so that the verye gates of hell shall not preuayle ageinst you:* Aske what you will of my father in my name, and it shalbee done vntoo you: Aske and yee shal haue, seeke and yee shall fynd,8 knocke and it shalbee opened vntoo you, possesse yee your soules through pacience. Besydes this, he putteth vs not too the dooing of any thing which he himselfe hath not first doone for our sakes, to giue vs the more comfort and incoragement by his owne example. If wee bee ⟨image 11⟩tempted,9
insomuch that whereas it was no robbery in him to be equal with God,1 because he was in the shape of God, yet abased he himself by taking upon him the shape of a servant, and that so far,2 as he crieth out in the Psalm, I am a worm, and no man, a very scorning stock of men, and an outcast of the people. If the terror of Gods wrath for sin do abash our harts, so did it abash his: and that so sore, as he was fain too cry out,3 O God my God, why hast thou forsaken me? If we suffer want and penury, so did he: for he had not whereon too rest his head. Finally he became like unto us in all things, saving only in sin,4 to the intent that we having a High priest which could be touched with the feeling of our infirmities, might boldly press to the throne of grace, to obtain mercy and favour,5 to our relief and help in dew time. Assuring our selves that if we fashion our selves like unto his image in sufferance, in patience, in humility, in faith, in hope, in love, and in resistance of sin, we shall also be made like unto him in glory.
insomuch that wheras it was no robberie in him to bee equall with God,1 bycause he was in the shape of God, yit abaced he himselfe by taking vppon him the shape of a seruant, and that so farre,2 as he cryeth out in the Psalme, I am a worme, and no man, a very scorning stocke of men, and an outcast of the people. If the terrour of Gods wrath for sin doo abash our harts, so did it abash his: and that so sore, as he was fayne too crye out,3 O God my God, why hast thou forsaken mee? If wee suffer want and penury, so did he: for he had not whereon too rest his head. Finally he became lyke vnto vs in all things, sauing onely in sinne,4 to the intent that wee hauing a Hygh priest which could bee touched with the feeling of our infirmities, might boldly preace to the throne of grace, to obteyne mercy and fauour,5 to our releefe and helpe in dew time. Assuring our selues that if wee fashion our selues lyke vntoo his image in sufferance, in patience, in humilitie, in fayth, in hope, in loue, and in resistence of sinne, wee shall also bee made lyke vnto him in glory.
That they walke after the spirit, and not after the fleshe, that is to say, that they liue not after the lyking of their owne wit and will, but in obedience to the wisdome and will of God:
That they haue mortifyed their earthly members, that is to say, ouermaystred and subdewed their sinfull lustes and lykinges: That they bee crucifyed too the world,
and the world to them, that is to say, that they bee no more intangled with the fond loue and sinister affection of the world and worldly things, than if they were already dead, and had no more neede of them at all:
And finally that they bee dead vnto sinne, but alyue vnto rightuousnesse. Of all which sayings, and of a number mo tending to the same purpose, the pith and effect is this, consisting of two members:
ageinst the Lordes of this world, which are the rulers of the darknesse of this world, euen the wicked spirites that are aboue. To bee s•ort, wee must indure continuall conflict ageinst the world, the flesh, and the diuell. And this warfare is to be susteyned and borne out, not by our owne strength and policie,
So then, wee must nother finne wilfully and presumptuously, nor despayre and shrinke away from God when wee haue sinned: nor play the hypocrites in iustifying our selues towardes God or the world. But lyke as wee must continually pray God to keepe vs from presumptuous sinnes,
and beware in any wise that they get not the vpper hand of vs: so when wee haue offended, by what meane so euer it be, or how often so euer it bee, (as who is he that sinneth not?
And ••eyng that the sheading of his spirit after that sort into our ••rtes (beyng the earnest penny of saluation, and seale of our 〈…〉 option, to strengthen our weaknesse, and to warrant and 〈…〉 vs ageinst all temptations) is a sure and infallible proofe 〈…〉 Gods loue towardes vs,
according to •his saying of S. Iohn, 〈…〉 doo wee know that wee dwell in him; and he in vs, that 〈…〉 hath giuen vs of his spirit: theruppon followeth an argument
⟨image 9⟩
grounded vppon the nature of God, which leadeth vs directly and comfortably to the poynt of Predestination, and is the very knot and conclusion of that matter.
For inasmuch as God is vnchaungeable, so as there is no alteration of mind or purpoze in him, too fancie one thing to day, and another too morrowe, or too determine and repeale agein, and so consequently too hate and loue by turnes and fittes:
and the penaltie of our transgressions was layd vppon him. If wee be tryed and nurtured with correction of the crosse, so was he: insomuch that although he was the sonne of God,
