Thirteen sermons of Master John Calvin, entreating of the free election of God in…Thirteene sermons of Maister Iohn Caluine, entreating of the free election of God in…

And contrariwise the example of Esau is set before us (as the Apostle showeth) to the end, We should not be profane as he was: that is to say, that we should not be given to the earth: but that we should think that this which is promised us, is belonging to eternal life. So then, we must not judge of this history after our natural opinion: but we must way to what end and purpose it is here rehearsed, to the end we may the better make our profit of it.

And contrarywise the example of Esau is sette before vs (as the Apostle sheweth) to the end, Wee should not be prophane as he was: that is to say, that wee shoulde not bee giuen to the earth: but that wee should thinke that this which is promised vs, is belonging to eternall life. So then, wee muste not iudge of this history after our naturall opinion: but wee must way to what ende and purpose it is heere rehearsed, to the end wee may the better make our profite of it.

Now I have already said in the first place, that God would as it were seal his election here, in the person of Jacob: and that he hath showed also in the person of Esau, that he was of the number of those, that were caste off from him. It is very certain that if Jacob had not been governed by the spirit of GOD, he had been altogether like his brother Esau. But we must see how the spirit of God was rather given unto him then unto Esau: We shall not find this diversity, but in the only free goodness of God. So then, let us know that Jacob was led with an holy ⟨image 62⟩affection, forasmuch as God had holden him of the number and company of his Children: as also S. Paul saith: That we are the workmanship of God, created to good works, the which he hath prepared. He speaketh not there of all men in general. It is true that God hath created us all without difference: but there is a new creation in those, whom God reformeth, and whom he purgeth from their wicked lusts, to the end that he may bring them to him self, and conform them to his righteousness, so that they desire nothing more then to honour and serve him purely. Mark therefore a second creation which God worketh in his Children. So then, let us know that if God reach out his hand unto us, to show us the way of salvation, if he give us courage cheerfully to march forwards, and strengthen us also to continue therein, that then he showeth that his election is not in vain and frivolous, but hath it full effect and virtue. To conclude, when he abandoneth us, and that we are as strays throughout all our life, that we forget the salvation of our souls: let us know that herein he declareth his curse upon us. And so let us learn to tremble, as often as we see men besotted in beastliness, so as they know not their own state and condition, neither to what end they were created, nor wherefore God hath placed them in the world: when we see this, it behoveth us (I say) to tremble and to pray unto God, that he will not suffer us so to be estranged from him: