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…

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 ⟨image 274⟩too the Psalm,² where it is said, that we ought too receive too our selves the reproaches that are offered too God. Also we ought of duty too have a care of those that are redeemed with the blood of our Lord Jesus Christ. If we see the souls go too damnation which did cost God so deer, and make no reckoning of it: it is a scorning of the blood of our Lord Jesus Christ. And even for that cause also doth S.