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…

Thus we see now S. Pauls meaning, which he pursueth and continueth much more in adding, what the excellency of his power is in us that have believed. And again, according too the effectual voorking of the strength of his power. He gathereth and heapeth up many words here together, which import all one thing. Nevertheless it is as it were a correcting of mans lewdness, which labour too deface Gods goodness as much as they can, insomuch that whereas they be not able too deface it altogether, they diminish it in such wise as it appeareth not, as if it had but a spark whereas it ought to have full light. But by the way let us mark, that whereas S. Paul setteth down here the Saints and believers: he meaneth the faithful whom God hath already called too him. And therein he showeth that even when we have faith, all our holiness proceedeth of Gods mercy, and men bring nothing of their own growing. Truly this title of Saints is very honourable: but yet it behoveth us to go to the wellspring of holiness: for in our selves we have nothing but uncleanness. Gods children must needs be holy: yet must they consider from whence they have it, whether they have of their own purchase and polli•ie, or ⟨p. 48⟩of Gods gift. S. Paul showeth here, that the praise thereof ought too be yielded simply unto God.¹ For it is not for nought that he sayeth so oft, I am holy. And again, we know that Jesus Christ was sanctified for us, too the inten•e that we might be washed and scoured from all our uncleanness. Thus much concerning the first point.

Thus wee see now S. Paules meaning, which hee pursueth and continueth much more in adding, what the excellencie of his power is in vs that haue beleeued. And ageyn, according too the effectual voorking of the strength of his power. He gathereth and heapeth vp many woordes heere toogither, which import all one thing. Neuerthelesse it is as it were a correcting of mans leawdnesse, which labour too deface Gods goodnesse as much as they can, insomuch that wheras they bee not able too deface it altogither, they diminish it in such wyse as it appeereth not, as if it had but a sparke wheras it ought to haue full light. But by the way let vs mark, that wheras S. Paule setteth downe here the Saintes and beleeuers: he meaneth the faithfull whom God hath already called too him. And therein he sheweth that euen when wee haue fayth, all our holynesse proceedeth of Gods mercy, and men bring nothing of their owne growing. Truely this title of Saintes is very honorable: but yit it behoueth vs to go to the welspring of holynesse: for in our selues we haue nothing but vnclennesse. Gods children must nedes be holy: yit must they consider from whēce they haue it, whether they haue of their owne purchace and polliie, or