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 here a man might ask a question: if men (I mean those whom God hath let alone) were without understanding and discretion in that behalf, whether might one see examples of it or no? It is very certain that they be not like horses, nor yet like dogs: but yet let us mark, that all the understanding and discretion which is in us, and all the judgment which it is possible for us too have, serveth too none other end, than too make us unexcusable. Therefore we must understand, that although we have some discretion between good and evil, before God have taught us by his word, and enlightened us […] ⟨p. 201⟩his holy spirit: yet the same •erueth but too bereave us of excuse, that we might not make a buckler of ignorance, as we be w••nt too do. For although every man have not had the written Law, yet must he bear the sentence of damnation about him in his hart, (as sayeth S Paul in the second too the Romans) and God must drive him too perceive it aforehand, by making him to feel har••ytings whether he will or no, so as he shall say, I am guilty in this thing and in that. Thus remaineth there some understanding in men: howbeit not too lead them in the way of salvation, but only too make them so much the more guilty before God. For as touching our affections, it might be said, that there are many which live honestly and without blame, though they never tasted of the Gospel. Yea marry, but in the mean while their hearts are fraughted with malice & stubbornness, and no doubt but that all such as have not bin reformed by Gods spirit, shall still feed a sea of wicked, froward, and malicious lusts within them. And therefore let us not stay upon the outward show,¹ but let us mark how it is not for nought that God challengeth the searching of mens hearts as his peculiar office: and therefore that must be reserved unto him. Also let us call too mind how Saint John in his Epistle saith, that we see not all the sins that are in us, but that God who seeth far more clearly, is the Judge thereof. Howsoever the case stand, when men have done the best they can, yet can they not rid their hands of condemnation, when they come before the heavenly Judge, (specially) seeing that the stars are not clear in his sight, no nor even the Angels, insomuch that if he listed to examine them with rigour, they should not be able too come too the perfection that is in him.