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…

Secondly, we be so gross and earthly, that we had need too have the doctrine chewed unto us, and we cannot conceive any more of Gods gracious gifts which are invisible, than we see with our eyes, and touch with our hands. Therefore it was requisite that S. Paul should by similitudes declare how it is Gods holy spirit that putteth us in possession of the Gospel, and of all the benefits contained therein, and which holdeth us in them unto the end. Now we know that bargains are confirmed by giving of an earnest penny, which men do commonly call a Gods penny. Forasmuch then as in buying either Lands, houses, inheritances, or wares, although a mans bare word ought to suffice, yet notwithstanding men are so ill disposed, that if they perceive any disadvantage to themselves in the matter, they will not be ashamed too eat their word: therefore was this ceremony of giving an earnest penny, added: and it is all one as if the payment were fully performed, so as the bargain were utterly past calling back again. S. Paul then meaneth here, that Gods spirit serveth to warrant our salvation too the full. And too what end? For your inheritance (sayeth he) too the day of your redemption. It is true that we be Gods heirs even in that we be his children. But we must note how it is said in the eight too the Romans,¹ that our salvation •s shut up under hope. So then, we cannot see it, nor enjoy it as now, according too the third of the Colossians,² where it is said, that we be like dead men that are departed out of this world, and that our life is hidden with God in Christ. Therefore although we be Gods children, yet have we not the full enjoyment of it as yet. And it is all one with that which S. John sayeth in his canonical Epistle.³ We •nowe (sayeth he:) whereby he showeth that our faith is not doubtful: ⟨image 52⟩but yet he addeth that it is not yet seen, (or it doth not yet appear,) but we must wait for the day wherein we shall be like unto God, & then we shall have light to see the thing perfectly, which we do but believe as now. Again, we have seen how S. Paul said in the second too the Corinthians,