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 why did he so? Shall that which was necessary for David to do, be superfluous for us? God forbid. For if such a Prophet as he, had need too arm himself against the temptations of his flesh, against the infirmities wherewith he might be assailed, I pray you how quickly shall he be overthrown, if we have not the same remedy which we used, and the courage also which he here exhorteth us unto?

And why did hee so? Shall that which was necessary for Dauid to doe, bee superfluous for vs? God forbid. For if such a Prophet as hee, had neede too arme himselfe against the temptations of his fleshe, against the infirmities wherwith he might be assayled, I pray you how quickly shal he be ouerthrowne, if we haue not the same remedy which we vsed, and the courage also which he heere exhorteth vs vnto?

Let us then consider, that if we will be stayed upon the promises of God, because we would call upon him in the time of need, we ought many times to meditate upon his words both day and night: and to set all our study and affection therein▪ And see what the cause is why there are so few which be disposed to pray unto God. Yea, and when they are thereto enforced, they know not which way too begin, because they cannot he fully resolved, to say, It is very requisite that when I shall call upon my good God, that I be fully assured that he will not refuse to hear me. What is the cause of this uncertainty? It is because they are not well acquainted with the promises of God. For a man will think that it were even enough slightly and lightly to believe, that God will hear those that are his. And when we come to prayer with this thought, we think that if we have said, but a word or two: that it is too much. Yea and if we come to a Sermon, and hear the promises of God spoken of, we think it by and by too be an unprofitable speech, and will say, that it is more then needeth, for what is he that understandeth not that well enough? And in the mean while, behold a mighty great temptation, like unto a boisterous whirlwind and tempest even at hand: and then he which thought him self so able a man, is become a very Milksop: He will look whether God will have pity of him: He will possibly imagine, that he hath turned his back, yea or else he will doubt of his providence, whether