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…

So then, it is not without cause, that David here joineth these two things together, to be guided by the majesty of GOD, and above all to be so mightily strengthened, as that no iniquity could have dominion over him but that he was well able to overcome all the temptations wherewith Satan any way could assail him. Now if David, was fain to make such a petition unto God, with out hypocrisy, by this we may gather of what strength and effect our free will is, which the Papists so highly extol. Whenas we shall speak of the serving of God, they straight ways think that it cometh of our own power & strength. Not that they do not confess, but that they had in some sort need of God his help, but yet that they will be companions and fellow workers with God, and that without they for their part did something of their own power and strength, all of it were nothing. And contrariwise, except the spirit of God leadeth and guideth us, we must needs slip, yea and utterly fall away. We speak not here of an half aid only: But it is GOD that must take the whole conduct and leading into his own charge. And again hath he taken us into his hand? Then no doubt of it, there is a second grace to be looked for: that is to say, that we be strengthened with his holy spirit, and so to be governed, as that we may have an invincible power to persevere in well doing. Howbeit there is yet one point more to be considered of in this verse: And that is, that David desireth to have all his steeps ordered according too the word of God.

So then, it is not without cause, that Dauid heere ioyneth these twoo thinges togither, to be guided by the maiestie of GOD, and abooue all to bee so mightily strengthened, as that no iniquitie could haue dominion ouer him but that he was well able to ouercome all the temptations wherewith Satan any way coulde assaile him. Nowe if Dauid, was faine to make such a petition vnto God, with out hypocrisie, by this we may gather of what strength and effect our free will is, which the Papistes so highly extoll. Whenas we shall speake of the seruing of God, they straight wayes think that it cōmeth of our owne power & strength. Not that they doe not confesse, but that they had in some sorte neede of God his helpe, but yet that they will bee companions and fellow workers with God, and that without they for their parte did something of their owne power and strength, all of it were nothing. And contrariwise, excepte the spirit of God leadeth and guideth vs, wee muste needes slippe, yea and vtterly fall away. We speake not heere of an halfe ayde onely: But it is GOD that must take the whole conducte and leading into his owne charge. And againe hath he taken vs into his hand? Then no doubt of it, there is a seconde grace to be looked for: that is to say, that we be strengthened with his holy spirite, and so to be gouerned, as that wee may haue an inuincible power to perseuer in wel dooing. Howbeit there is yet one point more to be considered of in this verse: And that is, that Dauid desiereth to haue all his steepes ordered according too the woorde of God.