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…

In the first chapter the matter which he treated of continually, was that we cannot sufficiently exalt our God, considering the mercy that he useth towards us. And now too express the same yet the better, and to touch us the more to the quick with it: he showeth us as in a picture or in a glass, what men are till God have prevented them with his grace, and called them back too himself. Therefore he showeth that we be plunged in so horrible a dungeon, that the very thinking of it ought to abash us, and make the hairs stand up upon our heads: for it cannot be but that thereupon we must needs be moved and inflamed too bliss Gods name, for that he hath sought us so in in the bottom of Hell,¹ too draw us up too the kingdom of heaven. And our Lord Jesus Christ, too show in what case he findeth us, sayeth that he is come to the end that the dead should rise at his voice. Ye see th•n that the office which the son of God taketh upon him, is too draw us from death too life, by the doctrine of his Gospel. According whereunto he addeth, that such as believe in him, are passed from death wherein they were held down, and are entered into the heavenly life. Not that the faithful do enjoy it here already, but because they possess it in such wise by hope, as they be throughly assured of it. Now whereas our Lord Jesus Christ sayeth, that his voice hath power too raise the dead: he taketh it by a similitude. For what life soever we surmise o•r selves too have: yet notwithstanding if we be separated from God, we'll be in a spiritual death, howsoever the unbelievers ⟨p. 61⟩imagine themselves too be more than alive in their own wisdom and virtue. And therein do they harden themselves and make their brags of it too the uttermost. But let us see where the wellspring of life is. It is in God, and they be alienated from him. Also let us see what is the true life of man. It is not that he should be s•ttle and fine witted, and be able too compass his matters well in this world by his own cunning and policy, or too purchase himself renown, or too be witty and well advised too give counsel too all other men: it is not that he should excel in all humane sciences and in all arts: neither is it that he should be esteemed and renowned as a ma• of noble courage, or as one that hath the other virtues that are commendable among men: