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…

it is all one as if we counted God a liar, insomuch that although we would hate and abhor too utter any such blasphemy, yet doth he complain that we have done him the like reproach, and not without cause. And therefore we see what frowardness there is in our nature, until God remedy it.

it is all one as if wee counted God a lyer, insomuch that although wee would hate and abhorre too vtter any such blasphemie, yit dooth he complaine that wee haue doone him the like reproch, and not without cause. And therfore wee see what frowardnesse there is in our nature, vntill God remedie it.

Furthermore whereas he sayeth, that the holy Ghost sealeth his promises after that fashion in our harts: let us understand that that is because he hath vouchsafed too choose us. We have seen already heretofore how he calleth us too him, and enlighteneth us with the truth of his Gospel, according too his choosing of us before we were borne, yea and before the making of the world. Therefore let us understand that Gods spirit is a special gift, which is not bestowed upon all men indifferently, but is reserved as a treasure for his children whom he hath chosen. And for that cause we ought too bear well in mind the foretouched title, that he is the spirit of adoption. Also the unbelief which is throughout the whole world,¹ giveth an evident proof of our Gods goodness, in that it hath pleased him too engrave his word in our harts. For it is certain that in all such as fight against God, or which be as brute beasts, and so careless that his ⟨p. 231⟩word doth no whit move them: we see what we be of nature, and what we should be still, if our Lord for his mercies sake had not touched us with his holy spirit. And so ye see what we have too bear in mind. Wherefore whensoever the doctrine of our salvation is talked of, let us beware that we presume not any thing upon our own wit and policy: but let us be small and lowly, that our Lord may enlighten us by his his holy spirit. And when we perceive that we have received such grace already: let us not bury it, but let us give the praise of it too him that deserveth it. And on the contrary part, sith we feel many perplexities, doubts, and unquietness, and that sometimes we be tossed like a ship that is ready too topple over, and too be sunk in the bottom of the the sea: sith we perceive our selves too be so troubled: let us consider our own frailty, that although we have bin trained up in Gods word, yet will there be no steadfastness in our harts, except God work it there: and thereupon let us run too the remedy, and pray God too keep the seed that he hath sown in us from choking, and the assuredness of our heritage from ever wearing out: that although Satan strain him self too the uttermost, too destroy that which God hath put into us, yet it may be strengthened in us from day to day, as is needful for us.