Two and twenty sermons of Master John Calvin In which sermons is most religiously…Two and twentie sermons of Maister Iohn Caluin In which sermons is most religiously…

And so let us learn after the example of David, that as often as we are to pray unto God, to consider with our selves, and call to mind, the benefits which we have received from his hand, that the same might be as it were an entrance for us unto prayer, and thereupon to conclude, that seeing God hath showed him self heretofore liberal: we should feel him also to be the same, ever hereafter unto the end.

And so let vs learne after the example of Dauid, that as often as we are to praye vnto God, to consider with our selues, and call to minde, the benefites which we haue receiued from his hād, that the same might be as it were an entrance for vs vnto prayer, and therevpon to conclude, that seeing God hath shewed him selfe heretofore liberall: wee should feele him also to bee the same, euer hereafter vnto the ende.

Now namely David addeth, According to thy word: And not without cause: for this is not all that we ought to know, that God hath done us good, and that all that we have, proceedeth from him:but we must put this confidence unto it: to wit, that he hath done it according to his word. For like as meat, although it be good and sweet, hath no savour nor taste, but is altogether unsavoury without salt: even so likewise the benefits of God, will have no perfect taste, that we might savour them as appertaineth, if it be not, that they be salted and seasoned with faith and belief, and too know that the graces and benefits which GOD hath bestowed upon us, have been according to his word & promise. And why so I pray you ? For if we shall not have the word of God and his promises: yea and although (as I have already said) we might very well make our petitions unto him, and come before him, in building our selves upon this, that he hath already aided us of his mere favour and goodness: yet should we not for all that, be assured that he will always do the like, ne yet abide constant therein, that when he hath begun, that he will finish it, we can never be able, I say, too have any such certainty without his word. And why so? when God sayeth unto us, go to now, and hearken unto me, I will be ⟨image 79⟩your father, and show my self saviour towards you, and you shall find me to be such one for ever: after that we have felt the proof and effect of these promises: we may then very well apply his benefits to that use whereof I have already spoken: hath God done me good but for a fit? hath he done this only, but by the way of talk? and will he not now hold and continue it? no, not so: but he hath done it according to his word. Doth the word of God stand but for a day or for a month? No, it remaineth and abideth both in life and death. Let us then conclude, that the benefits of God are everlasting, and that he will continue them unto all those that are not unthankful. Lo this sentence which David addeth is not superfluous, but of great wait, when he faith, O Lord, thou hast dealt graciously with me, according to thy word. If we will then be confirmed by the benefits of God, which we have heretofore received; and when we shall make our requests, that we would have him to hear us: