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…

To be short, our heart shall be so shut up, as that the graces of God, as touching our selves, shall hardly water it by dropmeale. It is very true that God for his part poureth upon us his graces abundantly: but we therein are nothing capable for the receiving of them. Wherefore, we are not worthy to taste and feel his aid in our need, What should this then be, if he surmounted not our hope, to help that which therein is wanting? And besides we know that the Devil would soon overthrow all our hope, were it not that it is very well kept by an heavenly power, as also S. Peter maketh thereof mention.¹ For when he speaketh of faith, he saith not that men are the Guardians or keepers of it. For if that were so, it should oftentimes be violently taken from them. But that is a treasure which God keepeth in his own hands, and that by his own invincible power and strength. See also why our Lord and Saviour Christ in the 10. of John, for our comfort saith,² That the father who hath us in his hand, and through whom we are committed unto him to be kept, is mightier and greater then they all. Accordingly then as we know, the power of God to be infinite, so must we also assure our selves of our salvation. And therefore it is, that we are to require of God as David hath done, that we be not disappointed of our hope. ⟨p. 127⟩Now in sum when we make such requests, it is too the end that the promises of God should be so much the more certain and better ratified unto us. See then what God saith unto us. Fear you not when as you shall put your trust in me, for I will nether deceive, nor abuse you, ne yet shall you be destitute of mine aid: but be you assured that my hand shall always be stretched out too succour you. We have this promise made unto us which can never fail us. Mow it behoveth that it be ratified and sealed in out hearts. And how is that? That in our prayers and supplications, we beseech God to accomplish and perform that which he hath promised, which shall be in stead of a seal sealed within, to the end we might have such a certainty as is requisite: and anon after God showeth in effect, that he speaketh not in vain unto us. Lo, say I, what we ought to note of the accord that is betwixt the promises of God & the prayers which we make unto him in desiring to make us feel by experience, that he is faith full in what soever he speaketh.