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…

Therefore if a man demand here, how then can we confess God too be righteous, wise, and almighty, sith we be so daunted at his works? for it is said, that it is the wisdom of men too search out Gods works, and too set their minds wholly upon them:¹ and he hath also ordained the world too be as a stage, whereon too behold his goodness, righteousness, power and wisdom: and therefore there seemeth too be some contrariety (between these two,) that we should be diligent and heedful in considering Gods works, and yet notwithstanding that our wits are dazzled at the thinking upon them: the answer thereto is very easy: which is, that if we desire soberly, too know but the things which God vouchsafeth too reveal unto us,² and which are for our profit: we shall have understanding enough, and we shall well perceive that he envieth not the teaching of us by his works, that we might come unto him, and put our whole trust in him, too know how too call upon him, to discern between good and bad, and too walk according too his will. Then if we give not head to our foolish and unordinate lusts, but hearken like good scholars to the things which our master vouchsafeth too declare unto us: we shall in Gods works understand all things that are for the furtherance of our welfare. And that is the cause why it is said in the book of Job,³ that we shall have done very much, if we can espy but the utmost borders of Gods works. Then may we taste of Gods wisdom, righteousness, power, and goodness, by considering only the ••sts or uttermost bounds of Gods works. But if we will needs fall too gagging of them too the bottom, there we shall find the foresaid gulf which is able too swallow up all our understanding. Too be short, first it is too be understood here, that as well Gods word, as his works, are unto us wonderful secrets, and such as pass all our wit and capacity. Insomuch that if we have an eye to his works, there are yet further miracles in them too daunt us withal, than the things that we see every day, & which are in common use among us. Likewise in the holy scripture, there are somewhat secreter points, & which are not very easy to be understood.

Therfore if a man demaund here, how then can wee confesse God too bee ryghtuous, wyse, and almyghtie, sith wee bee so daunted at his woorks? for it is said, that it is the wisdome of men too serche out Gods woorks, and too set theyr mynds wholly vppon them: