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…

We see that Isaac had such cause too rejoice in God for the prosperity which was given unto him, that yet notwithstanding God awakened him, and mixed his sweet meat with some sower sauce. This was a great cause of joy unto him, when GOD did so sensibly multiply him. It was as it were a looking glass to all the Philistines, wherein to behold what it was to serve god: yet notwithstanding this turneth to his trouble & causeth him to be molested. We see then how God tempereth his benefits which he bestoweth liberally upon his children (I say, the temporal benefits which concern this life) that they can never settle them selves and rest therein. But yet here further a question might be asked, why God caused Isaac so to prosper, that the inhabitants of the coū try should rise up against him. Had it not bin much better for him that he had continued in a mean estate, & had lived quiet under his tent then to be so enriched that every one should war against him, & ⟨image 106⟩that they could not abide him, fearing least he would become Lord over them, and tread them under his feet? If GOD had kept such a mean, it seemeth that it had been more profitable to Isaac. Wherefore then is it that he doth multiply him, and that this is the cause that he is pursued, yea, and that he hath no water for himself neither for his family or for his cattle? But God is so wise in disposing all things, that if he make his servants to prosper, he showeth them that they ought to keep them selves fast unto him, and that they have occasion to bless him. And yet notwithstanding: when he layeth them open to troubles and vexations, he turneth this also to their good. So then we must mark this for a rule, That all the graces which we receive from the hand of God in this world, they are joined with some miseries, & that our honey is never pure, but always there is some vinegar mixed with it: God could well take another course, if it had pleased him: but we must be subject unto him, and be content with that, that he doth, although that our senses and the lusts of our flesh resist against it. And true it is that a man which were well advised, would never seek to be rich nor wealthy: and so that he might have competent for meat and drink & clothing: he would seek for no other state or condition.

Wee see that Isaack had suche cause too reioyce in God for the prosperitie which was giuen vnto him, that yet notwithstanding God awakened him, and mixed his sweete meate with some sower sauce. This was a great cause of ioy vnto him, when GOD did so sensibly multiply him. It was as it were a looking glasse to all the Philistines, wherin to behold what it was to serue god: yet notwithstanding this turneth to his trouble & causeth him to be molested. We see thē how God tempereth his benefites which he bestoweth liberally vpon his children (I say, the temporall benefites which concerne this life) that they can neuer settle them selues and rest therin. But yet here further a question might be asked, why God caused Isaack so to prosper, that the inhabitāts of the coū try shuld rise vp against him. Had it not byn much better for him that he had continued in a meane estate, & had liued quiet vnder his tent then to be so inriched that euery one shuld war against him, &