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…

And moreover,¹ let us consider that (as sayeth Saint Peter) our Lord hath drawn us out, and rescued us from the tyranny of death, and called us too his kingdom of light, too the intent that we should blaze abroad his virtues, and bestow our whole life in magnifying him too the uttermost: according too this present text, where it is said, that we must walk according too the vocation that God hath called us unto. Now this importeth a gathering and drawing of us out by our selves, as though God meant too make a new world of us. And in very deed the thing whereto the death and passion of our Lord Jesus Christ tendeth, is, that we should be shoaled out from the uncleanness of the world. Seeing then that we be as it were sorted out by our selves, and God hath dedicated us too himself, intending too have us for his inheritance: let us learn not too disappoint him of his purpose. And if we be the children of light, (as he saith in another place:²) let us walk no more in darkness, as the unbelievers do, but let us make the grace effectual which we have received. That is it in effect which we have to remember concerning the word Vocation or Calling. Too be short, we shall be much more blame-worthy than the sissy ignorant and blind souls, if we endeavour not too hold our selves as it were locked up under Gods hand, and under his guiding. Truth it is, that at this day there is no corner of the world, but it is so corrupted, as is horrible too see: insomuch that even they that have had no taste at all of the Gospel, but have bin nuzzled and ⟨image 171⟩imbrued continually with superstition, shall not fail to be justly condemned at Gods hand. And as for us, it is certain, that we shall have a much harder account too make, for that God enlighteneth us with his word, and whereas other folks stray and wander in destruction, he showeth us the way of salvation, calling and alluring us daily unto him. Seeing then that we have such a privilege: we ought too bethink our selves well, that we quench not the light, by thrusting it underfoot, and so put away the special grace that was granted us, and which God vouchsafed too direct unto us, too the end we should be the more provoked too serve him.

And moreouer,¹