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…

Lo here the light that was before Adams fall. And this light abideth yet still, but yet it shineth in darkness, and the darkness comprehendeth it not, but rather quencheth it quite and clean out. So then if we have any small insight or aim, let us consider that it is but as a little spark, which passeth and vanisheth away out of hand. But in the mean while, as concerning our own nature, that we should be able too have regard of goodness, or too seek it, follow it, and continue in it: it is utterly unpossible. And why? For our understanding is stark blind.¹ To be short, there is nothing but vanity in us, according too this saying, that God perused the thoughts of men, and saw there was nothing but vanity and leasing in them.

Loe here the lyght that was before Adams fall. And this lyght abydeth yit styll, but yit it shyneth in darknesse, and the darknesse comprehendeth it not, but rather quencheth it quite and cleane out. So then if wee haue any small insight or ame, let vs consider that it is but as a little spark, which passeth and vanisheth away out of hand. But in the meane whyle, as concerning our owne nature, that wee should bee able too haue regard of goodnesse, or too seeke it, followe it, and continew in it: it is vtterly vnpossible. And why? For our vnderstanding is stark blynd.¹ To be short, there is nothing but vanitie in vs, according too this saying, that God perused the thoughts of men, and sawe there was nothing but vanitie and leazing in them.

1. 1Psal. 94. b. 11.

Now too express this yet better, Saint Paul sayeth, that they had their understanding darkened, and were strangers too the life of God: wherein he cutteth of the occasion of all excuses that men can make. For they will reply continually against God, and though they be condemned, yet will they always have the last word, (saying:) what can I do with it if there be nothing but vanity in me, seeing that God created me so? why made he me not otherwise? But Saint Paul telleth us here, that we have our understanding overcast with our own darkness. And why? Because the light is quenched by the corruption that is come upon us in Adam. To be short, S. Paul showeth us here, that we must keep our mouths shut, when the scripture bewrayeth that we be both ignorant, blind, and brutish. We must not think to further our case by alleging that god ought to