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…

that is, that we should seek too profit our selves by his word. Now then we have here to note, that even then we shall be inflamed with the word of God, when as we shall have yea even such a vehement desire, as hereof is mention made, and as hath bin before spoken off. That the word of God ought to be more dear and precious unto us then all the riches of the world, & more sweet then all other sweetness in the earth. When then we shall have such a desire as this, we shall find God to be always ready to accomplish that which is said in the song of the holy virgin, that he hath filled and satisfied the hungry and empty▪ God will satisfy and fill those that hunger after the things which concern but this present life. And do you think that when we shall be desirous of his doctrine, knowing it to be the most principal benefit that we can possibly wish, & whereunto we ought to apply our whole hart, that he will let us famish?

that is, that we should seeke too profite our selues by his word. Now then we haue here to note, that euen thē we shall be enflamed with the word of God, when as wee shall haue yea euen such a vehement desire, as hereof is mention made, and as hath byn before spoken off. That the word of God ought to be more deare and precious vnto vs then all the riches of the world, & more sweete then al other sweetnesse in the earth. When then we shall haue such a desire as this, we shal finde God to bee alwayes ready to accomplish that which is saide in the song of the holy virgin, that hee hath filled and satisfied the hungry and empty▪ God wil satisfie and fil those that hunger after the thinges which concerne but this present life. And do you thinke that when we shalbe desirous of his doctrine, knowing it to bee the most principal benefite that we can possibly wish, & whereunto we ought to apply our whole hart, that he wil let vs famish?

Do you suppose that he will not grant us so holy a desire, and such a one as he approveth above all the rest? But by the way let us consider, that we perceive not at this day, the profit and edifying which David bringeth unto us in this place: because in deed we are over cold to seek after the will of God. And to say truly, I beseech you can we find one amongst an hundred which desireth it, I say yea such a one as only hath that affection to be taught of God? We see to the contrary, that we shall not need the very least trifling toy to keep us at the gaze: because we are so full of all vanity as is lamentable: neither can the devil no sooner set any thing before us which we will not run after, and take occasion to be withdrawn from all whatsoever is good & godly. Now then, when as we shall see our selves to be thus cold, is this to come with such a fervency, as is here declared unto us by David? Alas where shall we find it? ought we not then even to be abashed, when as we shall see so few to be truly taught of God? considering that so small a number of people are touched to the quick with a true desire of his doctrine? But we ought rather to think it more strange, when as we seeing God to be so full of loving kindness, as too bear with our negligence that in stead of opening our mouths, and to desire his heavenly doctrine, as David hath done, we open our mouths too crave such things as do nothing else but offend and grieve the majesty of God: for in that is our whole delight, and upon it bestow we all our power and strength. When then we shall after this sort forsake God, and seek after the transitory things of this world, yea the which cannot but hurt, and lead into everlasting destruction, are we not worthy that God should leave and forsake us as most miserable and wretched caitiffs? And therefore this doctrine is not here set down in vain.