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…

we need no new Revelation for that gear, for we have it of nature. True it is that our eyes are instruments of Gods power and goodness, whereby he maketh us to enjoy the light: but that is a common thing. But here S. Paul showeth us, that we be blind, and that we conceive not any whit of Gods spiritual grace, except he open our eyes, and take away the kerchief or veil that is before them, yea and give us a new sight, which we have not. For we have our eyes worse than stopped, until he enlighten them by his holy spirit. Thus ye see what we have too bear in mind. And that is the thing which he proceedeth still withal. Namely (saith he) too have the eyes of your understanding enlightened. But a man might reply, If we have the spirit of Revelation already, why have we need of it? Verily as who should say, you saw nothing at all. True it is that you see partly: but you have your eyes still too much dimmed. And this may be said generally of all men,¹ according as it is said, that in this world we see things but d••ly, and as it were through a glass, till we be able to behold God in his heavenly glory, at which time we shall be fashioned like unto him. Again, too the intent that men should not allege (and say) M•st God then reveal things in such wise unto us, as if we were in such taking that we could see nothing at all? And shall a man be as a bru•e beast without discretion or judgement? To answer hereunto, it is true that we have some wit, but yet are we blind for all that, because we be corrupted by sin. God therefore must ⟨p. 44⟩be fain too give us new eyes, as I said afore. And he addeth the word wisdom, the better too beat down the fond overweening that men conceive in themselves, when they will needs fly without wings too come unto God. For there is not that man which would not be wise. If we desired true wisdom by seeking it at Gods hand: it were a good and well ruled desire. But there are two faults in us: for we will needs be wise after our own conceit. Am I not wise enough too govern my self, will a fool say? And in the mean while we despise Gods word, and every of us will needs have the •rydle laid loose in our neck, and have leave given him too do what he thinketh good. But that is too great an overweening.