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 Angels then know not things yet but in part. True it is that they must not be mustered in our state and taking: for like as they be nearer God than we, so be they taught more familiarly. But howsoever they fa••, yet must they be fain too hide their eyes, as is showed us in the sixth Chapter of Isaiah, in the vision that is given him there. Albeit then that the Angels be heavenly spirits, and be familiarly conversant with God, as household servants of his kingdom: yet have they their eyes covered, too show that they understand not all things as yet, and that their knowing is but in part. For God must show them that they be but creatures, that they might thereby be held in continual awe, too humble themselves before him, and to keep themselves in their degree. According hereunto, it is said, that the Angels of heaven know not when the last day shall be:¹ that is hid from them. And why? Too the intent that men should humble themselves the more, and not be ashamed to be ignorant of the things which God hath not revealed unto us. Too the end therefore that it may not grieve us that God concealeth many things from us: the very Angels are set afore us, as not knowing all things as yet. Then is it not without cause said, that they knew not what should befall and come too pass at the coming of the son of God, that is too wit, that all people without exception should be called too the truth of the Gospel, and be all adopted of God,² too be made the spiritual children of Abraham. True it is, that the Angels knew well that Jesus Christ was the head of all mankind: but how that should be done, or at what time, or by what mean, that was hidden from them. That is the manner wherein S. Paul saith, that they profited, namely by beholding our Lord Jesus Christ too shed forth his grace in that wise. For it was not enough too say, that men should wonder at such a miracle as ⟨p. 128⟩•hat God should take those into his house, that were strayed away before, and ally himself with those that were erst his mortal enemies, & allure them to him, whom he before abhorred. If it had bin said, that men ought too be astonished at it: that had not bin enough. But when as S. Paul sayeth, that even the Angels find it strange, and are fain too marvel at it, seeing how God uttereth so great treasures: