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…

20. Now unto him that is able too do most abundantly above all things that we ask or think, according too the power that worketh in us, 21. Be praise in the Church through Jesus Christ throughout all generations for ever more. Amen. The fourth Chapter. 1. I therefore which am a prisoner in our Lord, warn you too ⟨p. 147⟩walk as becometh you in the calling wherewith ye be called.

20. Novv vntoo him that is able too doo most abundantly aboue all things that wee aske or thinke, according too the power that vvorketh in vs, 21. Bee prayse in the Church through Iesus Christ throughout all generations for euer more. Amen. The fourth Chapter. 1. I therefore vvhich am a prisoner in our Lord, vvarne you too ⟨p. 147⟩vvalkeas becommeth you in the calling vvhervvith yee be called.

2. With all lowliness and meekness, with patience. &c.

2. VVith all lovvelinesse and meekenesse, vvith pacience. &c.

When God hath done us never so much good, although we feel our selves beholden unto him, and bound too yield him his dew praise: yet can we not discharge our selves of our duty with a free hart, except we hope that he will hold on still hereafter, and show himself the same too the end, which we have known him too be heretofore. Now, without faith we cannot hope, and so is it unpossible that God should have his dew praise at mens hands. Put the case we had found Gods help at our need, and whatsoever we could wish: and in the mean while we think it was but a sudden braid which is vanished away out of hand, and that henceforth we may look for no more at his hand, and that it shall be in vain for us too require it: it is certain, that we would come no more at him, because we should be pinched and pressed with heaviness and grief. Therefore, that we may hold out in praising Gods name, we must couple these two things together: that is too wit, that on the one side we bethink us of the good that we have received of him, and that on the other side we hope still that he will always be steadfast and constant in his purpose unto the end, and never cease to do us good. And that is the order which S. Paul keepeth here, saying, Praise and glory be yielded unto God. And how? unto him (sayeth he) which is able too do all things, beyond our asking, yea and beyond our thinking too. Now it is certain, that here Saint Paul had an eye back too that which we have seen before, which is, that God did then utter the infinite riches of his goodness, when he vouchsafed too have the Gospel (which is the message of salvation) published throughout the world. Nevertheless, he quickeneth up the faithful, to discharge themselves cheerfully, by telling them that they must not mistrust that God will withdraw his hand, as though his showing of himself liberal towards them, had bin but for once and away. His meaning then is, that God will go through with his work, and therefore that