A17705:445
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…
The sermons of M. John Calvin, upon the Epistle of S. Paul too the Ephesians. Translated out of French into English by Arthur GoldingThe sermons of M. Iohn Caluin, vpon the Epistle of S. Paule too the Ephesians. Translated out of French into English by Arthur Golding
London: printed by Thomas Dawson for Lucas Harison, 1577
Title page typeset from the transcription.
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
Know we that once we have first of all to humble our selves, and to pray God to enlighten us ⟨p. 125⟩by his holy spirit, that we may profit our selves by all his works and words. And moreover let us learn the things that he showeth us, and be contented with the measure that he appointeth us, without coveting too know any more than that which we may learn in his school. Thus ye see what we have to bear in mind.
Konwe wee that once wee haue first of all to humble our selues, and to pray God to inlyghten vs ⟨p. 125⟩by his holie spirit, that wee may profit our selues by all his woorks and woords. And moreouer let vs lerne the things that he sheweth vs, and bee contented with the measure that he appoynteth vs, without coueting too knowe anie more than that which wee may lerne in his schoole. Thus yee see what wee haue to beare in mynd.
Furthermore when we once have such mildness, surely our Lord will give us a sure resting point: and although his privities be incomprehensible, and the doctrine of the Law and the Gospel be secrets above the the reach of the world: yet shall we be taught by them too our welfare and salvation. And so there is no mingling, no confusedness, no entangling for us, because God will guide us by his holy Ghost, and give us wisdom and discretion too know whatsoever he seeth too be for our behoof. Mark that for one point. But if we be unteachable or unruly, and will needs play the loose colts too search further than we have leave: surely Gods wisdom will be always variable unto us: that is to say, there will be such diversity of things, and so many stops in it, as will make us at our wits end, and we shall abide as utterly confounded. Yea and even the faithful shall well perceive the thing that Saint Paul sayeth here, that they may ever be put in mind too walk in awe and fear, and not give themselves the bridle too much, nor take too much leave to know more than our Lord will have them too know. Now then, the doubt which might have bin cast, namely how God will have us too be abashed at his works, is removed. And yet will he not have us too be abashed at them, so we suffer our selves too be taught by him.