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…

Ye see then that the thing which we have too mark in effect, is that all men from the most too the least are endangered unto God, and there is none so holy or excellent, that can exempt himself from that general state of men.

Yee see then that the thing which wee haue too marke in effect, is that all men from the most too the least are indaungered vntoo God, and there is none so holie or excellent, that can exempt himselfe from that generall state of men.

Now hereupon S. Paul magnifieth Gods goodness, in that the Ephesians were gathered together, and made all one with those that were held and accounted afore for Gods people, and for the household folk of his Church. Before the Ephesians believed the Gospel, there was great diversity between them, as shall be declared yet more at large in the second Chapter. But notwithstanding that the believing Jews which had already bin converted to our Lord Jesus Christ, were as brethren too the Angels of heaven, for so much as they were members of the head that was common too them both, whereas in the mean while the Ephesians were poor wretches, shut out from all hope of salvation, enemies of God, and plunged in all cursedness: behold, God ⟨image 48⟩took away that diversity, and ranged them both in one array. Gods goodness therefore was so much the more manifest, in that he did so […] them back which were drowned in the bottom of hell, to match them with his own children, and too make them fellows and heirs of his heavenly kingdom. That therefore is the cause why S. Paul having spoken of such as had believed in Jesus Christ afore, telleth us expressly, that God hath gathered and stablished his Church in such wise, as it well appeareth that the greatest depend wholly upon him, and have not any other thing to rest upon, than his only mercy: and that those which were after a sort caste away, yea and abhorred, have cause to glorify him, seeing he hath delivered them from the confusion wherein they were. And herewithal S. Paul showeth, that the thing which he had said afore, is verified unto us by the effects of Gods grace. For (as I have said afore) our election is a secret thing, yea and incomprehensible. When men have inquired of it as much as is possible, surely they must needs quail in their own imaginations, if they mind to enter into the said everlasting ordinance of God. And therefore it is not lawful for us too seek any further than the Scripture guideth us, and showeth us the way. Ye see then that Gods choosing of us, is hidden in him self: but yet he yieldeth us records of it by the gifts of grace which he bestoweth upon us, as by faith, which is a gift of the holy Ghost. Mark that for one point.