A17716:137
Sermons of John Calvin, upon the song that Hezekiah made after he had been…Sermons of Iohn Caluin, vpon the songe that Ezechias made after he had bene…
Sermons of John Calvin, upon the song that Hezekiah made after he had been sick and afflicted by the hand of God, contained in the 38. chapter of Isaiah. Translated out of French into English. 1560.Sermons of Iohn Caluin, vpon the songe that Ezechias made after he had bene sicke and afflicted by the hand of God, conteyned in the 38. chapiter of Esay. Translated out of Frenche into Englishe. 1560.
London: printed by John Day, 1560London: printed by Iohn Day, 1560
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
For as I have said it were better that we had never been borne, than to enjoy the good things that God hath done for us, and yet to have our mouth close and to think no more upon him. Let us then note well that this repetition is not superfluous when Hezekiah sayeth so many times that sith his life is prolonged, he will be so much the more stirred to praise God. Take this for one note.
For as I haue said it were better that we had neuer bene borne, than to enioy ye good things that God hath done for vs, and yet to haue oure mouth close and to thinke no more vpon him. Let vs then note well that thys repetion is not superfluous when Ezechias saieth so manye times that sith his lyfe is prolonged, he wyll be so muche the more styred to prayse God. Take this for one note.
Now, he further showeth that this shall not be for a sudden braid, as many can well praise God with a merely vehement affection, when they have had proof of his goodness, but that droopeth away by and by, and the memory is lost of it, & they think that it is enough that at one time they have testified that they thank God for the good that they have received. But Hezekiah showeth us that we ought to continue therein with a true perseverance, for we are beholden to god no more for one day of our life than for another ⟨p. 74⟩It must therefore be fully dedicate & avowed unto him. So seeing the slothfulness and coldness that is in us, let us learn to stir up our selves when we shall feel that our zeal waxeth cold for fear lest it be wholly quenched. Let us awake. How? If I have once or twice reknowledged the grace of God. What is that? must it be now forgotten? And if I bless the name of God during one month, a year, or two, or three: And now I think no more of it. To what purpose shall it serve me? but to make me so much the more guilty of hypocrisy, & to show that there was nothing but a fire of stubble, that there is no constancy nor steadfastness. If then we behold well the example of this good king, we shall every one be the more pricked forward, to feed our selves no more in this idleness which is natural unto us, and whereunto we be to much inclined.