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…

So then all the blessings that may happen unto us, are nothing, neither can they have any good savour, unless we be assured of the favour of GOD: but on the other side, when it pleaseth God to declare unto us that he loveth us, and that we are in his protection, that we can not perish, that he holdeth us by the hand, and that we are kept and guarded by him. This is it then that ought to content us, though all the rest did fail us. So then, how soever God gave some sign unto Isaac, that he had looked upon him in pity: this was nothing in comparison of that which Moses rehearseth now, which was that God appeared unto him, to the end to continue his covenant towards him, and too ratify it so much the more, and that he was altogether resolved therein, in such sort that he was a Buckler unto him, to break all temptations. But we have here in the first place to note, that this was a vision to prepare Isaac, to the end that the word which must be given unto him, might be received with the greater reverence and authority.

So then all the blessinges that may happen vnto vs, are nothing, neither can they haue any good sauour, vnlesse wee be assured of the fauour of GOD: but on the other side, when it pleaseth God to declare vnto vs that he loueth vs, and that we are in his protection, that wee can not perish, that he holdeth vs by the hand, and that we are kepte and garded by him. This is it then that ought to content vs, though al the rest did faile vs. So then, how soeuer God gaue some signe vnto Isaack, that he had looked vpon him in pittie: this was nothing in comparison of that which Moyses rehearseth now, which was that God appeared vnto him, to the ende to continue his couenaunt towardes him, and too ratifie it so much the more, and that he was altogither resolued therin, in such sorte that he was a Buckler vnto him, to breake all temptations. But we haue here in the first place to note, that this was a vision to prepare Isaack, to the end that the word which must be giuen vnto him, might bee receiued with the greater reuerence and authoritie.

Now this vision was as a sign that God spake: and this hath always bin very necessary: For we know how the devil laboureth to seduce us by illusions and vain fantasies. When therefore the fathers were taught, to the end they might have a full assurance of their faith, the majesty of God manifested it self unto them, whereof they had some infallible impression: For if the word only had come unto them, it had been as a sound in the air without all steadiness. This therefore is no superfluous thing, when Moses saith, that God showed and declared him self unto Isaac: For it was necessary that Isaac should know and be thoroughly persuaded, that the word which he heard, proceeded from heaven, and that he might rest therein, that it was an undoubted trueth, in which he could not be abused. It is true that God is invisible, and cannot be comprehended: and so far is it off, that we can comprehend him with the eye, that if we do apply all our senses thereto, it is certain that we shall never attain too his high majesty: The Essence of God therefore, in that it is infinite, can not be seen of men, but this letteth not but that he may show him self so far forth as is expedient for us, and according to that small measure that is in us. Thus as often as we read that God appeared unto the ancient Fathers, this showeth not that they comprehended all his essence & majesty: For that had bin a thing impossible: Mans spirit is very rude: but he so showed him self, as they were able too bear: