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…

11. Have not too do with the fruitless works of darkness, but rather rebuke them. 12. For (as for) the things which they do in secret, it is a shame even too name them. ⟨p. 255⟩13. But all things are laid open when they be rebuked by the light: for the light is it that lays all things open. 14. Wherefore he saith, awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ will enlighten thee.

11. Haue not too doo vvith the fruitlesse vvoorkes of darkenesse, but rather rebuke them. 12. For (as for) the things vvhich they doo in secret, it is a shame euen too name them. ⟨p. 255⟩13. But all thinges are layd open vvhen they bee rebuked by the lyght: for the lyght is it that layes all things open. 14. VVherfore he sayth, awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ vvillinlyghten thee.

We have seen this morning, that although there be many things in the world too turn us away from the serving of God: yet must we not therefore swerve as though that might serve us for an excuse. For there have bin stumbling blocks in the world at all times: but the remedy for them is this doctrine, that is too wit, that Gods children must stand upon their guard, that they corrupt not themselves by companying with the unbelievers, because God hath shoaled them asunder. And it is not enough for us not too be drunkards, whoremongers, thieves, or murderers: but we must also shun all manner of evil wheresoever it be. In deed we ought too begin always at our selves:¹ for hypocrites will always spy a mote in their neighbours eye, and yet bear a great stone in their own, without feeling it. But if we will be right and sound Judges, let every man examine himself, and begin there in condemning vices. Let us consider well whether we our selves be faulty or no, that we may first and formest make our own indictment before God, by hating the evil that is in our selves. Howbeit we must also show therewithal, that we love God better than the world, and not maintain our selves in favour and friendship of the wicked, by foading them in their faults, and by flattering them. And for that cause S. Paul addeth, that we must rather even rebuke the works which can bring nothing but utter cursedness. And this serveth, not only too show the zeal which we have that God should be honoured: but also too withdraw silly souls that are in the way too destruction, and too bring them back again into the way of salvation. Lo here two causes which ought too move us too reprove evil. The one is, that it must irk us too see God offended, and men provoke his wrath by overthrowing the order that he hath set. Seeing then that God is by that mean despised, and his word trodden under foot: it ought too grieve us, according