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…

Furthermore here are many words well worth the weighing. For on the one side S. Paul intendeth too magnify the grace of the holy Ghost, by showing that we can have no part nor portion in our Lord Jesus Christ, nor in any of all the benefits that he hath purchased for us, except God put us in possession of our salvation by his holy spirit. That therefore is one point. And yet notwithstanding S. Paul faileth not too show therewithal; the inestimable benefit that we have by the Gospel, in that he termeth it the word of truth, and the glad •ydings of salvation. For first of all he meant too assure us, too the in•ent we might have an infallible warrant too call upon God without ⟨image 49⟩doubting or grudge of conscience. For so long as we be in doubt whether God love us or hat us, it is unpossible for us too pray truly unto him. And so by that means ye see how our salvation is utterly defeated, according too that which is said by the Prophet Joel.¹ And it is a common doctrine in the holy scripture, that we cannot obtain salvation, but by fleeing unto God with prayer and supplication. But we should be shut out from that, if we had not the said warrant, as we shall see more fully in the third chapter. Therefore it stands us […] too be throughly assured, that God is our father, and that he accepteth us for his children. And how shall we be warranted that unless the doctrine of the Gospel be so certain in all points, as it be not lawful for us to bring it in question? That therefore is the cause why S. Paul sayeth that it is the word of truth. No doubt but there are other truths also: for even when God threateneth us, he doth it not in •est nor yet in vain: for as well his threatenings as his promises have their execution sure and certain. Howbeit forasmuch as the present case concerned the correcting of all distrust in us, as whereunto we be to much inclined: S. Paul hath termed the Gospel the doctrine of truth: as if he should say, my friends, God is a faithful witness unto you of his own will: for the Gospel is as much as if he laid forth his hart unto you: and therefore settle your selves upon it. Moreover also he saith, that our salvation lieth enclosed in the Gospel: and that it is too make us too love it, and esteem it. For should we be so witless, or rather stark mad, as to hold scorn of our own welfare?