Two Godly and notable sermons preached by the excellent and famous clerk, master John…Tvvo Godly and notable sermons preached by the excellent and famous clarke, master Iohn…
Two Godly and notable sermons preached by the excellent and famous clerk, master John Calvin, in the year. 1555 The one concerning patience in adversity: The other touching the most comfortable assurance of our salvation in Christ. Jesus. Translated out of French into English.Tvvo Godly and notable sermons preached by the excellent and famous clarke, master Iohn Caluyne, in the yere. 1555 The one concernynge pacience in aduersitie: The other touchyng the most comfortable assurance of oure saluation in Chryste. Iesu. Translated out of Frenche into Englyshe.
John Calvin 1509–1564printed by William Seres dwelling, 1560printed by VVyllyam Seres dvveling, 1560
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
2. Tim. 1
¶ Be not therefore ashamed to testify our Lord, neither be ashamed of me which am bound for his sake: but be partaker of the afflictions of the gospel, through the power of god, who saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our deeds, but according to his own purpose and grace, which grace was given to us, through Christ Jesus before the world was: but is now declared. &c.
2. Tim. 1
¶ Be not therfore ashamed to testify our Lord, neither be ashamed of me which am bounde for his sake: but be partaker of the afflyctions of the gospell, through the power of god, who saued vs, and cauled vs with an holye caulyng, not accordyng to oure dedes, but accordynge to his owne purpose and grace, whiche grace was geuen to vs, throgh Christ Iesus before the world was: but is nowe declared. &c.
Although that almighty God hath in his Son sufficiently1 manifested his glory and majesty through his spirit and gospel, wherethrough he is of all the world to be honoured and worshipped, yet is mans unkindness such, that he needeth continual exhortation, to be nothing ⟨image 4⟩
should publish and declare, that all may be referred to this end, that he be known and glorified as he is worthy. For when the gospel is not preached, it lieth as it were buried.
that we abide fast by this wholesome doctrine: for S. Paul setteth here forth his own parson, not for that he careth for our approbation, but to declare, that
when we separate our selves from God's servants, it is a sufficient testimony, that the master is also forsaken and given over. Some peradventure will think, that in forsaking the minister of the word of god being tormented, disquieted and in distress, he hath forsaken but a mortal man:
but god is therewith also displeased, in as much as the man which
⟨image 5⟩
so is troubled, beareth the mark of the gospel, for God's cause there through is declared, as it were betrayed. Saint Paul therefore considering this: saith notably to Timothy,
be not ashamed of me. And to say the truth, as I have already declared, one might laugh Timothy to scorn, and send him back to his master, as the wicked can full well spy their advantage at such times, when god humbleth his servants, and suffereth them to be unjustly tormented,
for then they assault and hardly lay at them which have maintained their doctrine.
ALthoughe that almyghty God hath in his sonne sufficientlye1 manyfested his glorye and maiestye throughe his spirite and gospel, wherethroughe he is of all the worlde to be honored and worshypped, yet is mannes vnkindenesse suche, that he nedeth continuall exhortation, to be nothing ⟨image 4⟩shamed of that gospel. And why? for though god by his word cauleth all creatures to hym selfe, yet2 the more parte rebel, dispise and dispyte the doctrine wherby he wold be knowen and worshipped: Seynge then, men are soo proude, peruerse and frowarde,3 as to eleuate theym selues agaynst theyr creatour, let vs not withstanding take sure holde of this place of scrypture here declared, that is,4 that we be not ashamed of the gospel. And why? because it is the testimony of our god, whiche we as nyghe as in vs lyeth,5 shoulde publyshe and declare, that al may be referred to this ende, that he be knowen and gloryfied as he is worthye. For when the gospel is not preched, it lyeth as it were buryed. ⟨image 5⟩Wherefore he apoynteth6 wytnes bearers, to testifye the same vnto vs. And therfore let vs render vnto hym this honoure, althoughe the whole world went astraye,7 that we abyde faste by this holsome doctryne: for S. Paule setteth here forthe hys owne parson, not for that he careth for our approbation, but to declare, that8 when we seperate oure selues from goddes seruantes, it is a sufficient testymonie, that the maister is also forsaken and geuen ouer. Some paraduenture wyl thincke, that in forsakyng the mynister of the word of god beynge tormented, disquieted and in distresse, he hath forsaken but a mortall man:9 but god is therwith also displeased, in as muche as the man whiche ⟨image 5⟩so is troubled, bereth the marke of the gospell, for goddes cause there throughe is declared, as it were betrayed. Saynct Paule therfore consydering this: sayth notably to Tymothee,10 be not ashamed of me. And to say the truthe, as I haue alredy declared, one myghte laughe Tymothe to scorne, and sende hym backe to his mayster, as the wycked can full well spye theyr aduauntage at suche tymes, when god humbleth hys seruauntes, and suffereth them to be vniustly tormented,11 for then they assaulte and hardely laie at them which haue maynteined theyr doctrine.
Here by mayst thou see that Timothy might be in doubt what to do, and therefore saith Saint Paul unto him, although I be made ⟨image 6⟩as it were1 an outcast in the face of the world, so as some laugh me to scorn, others detest and hate me, yet be not thou therefore ever a whit the sooner moved. For I am (saith he)2 the prisoner of Jesus Christ, As who would say, though the whole world would lay to my charge all the villainy that could be devised, yet do they it not for mine offences, for my cause is avouched in God's presence, and truly the cause is his, for I suffer not for mine offences, his trueth is always on my side, when I suffer persecution, for that3 I have maintained and do maintain the word of God. Care not for the judgement of the world, for men are led4 with froward affections. Let it suffice the then, ⟨image 6⟩that I be as it were an hostage for the Son of god, who honoureth mine imprisonment, in such wise, that though the world think it vile and detestable,5 yet before god and his angels it is not a little esteemed and honoured. Now then, let us learn hereby in no wise to defraud Jesus Christ of the testimony6 which we ought of bear of him having our mouth shut, when it shall be needful to7 maintain his honour and the authority of his gospel: but contrary wise when we see our brethren to be afflicted for the name of god,8 we be found ready to be coupled with them, and that we stand in defence as much as in us is, for the same cause,9 trembling or fearing nothing at all, for all the ⟨image 7⟩storms which might happen, though the devil have the bridle at will, and though things were never so far out of order.10 Let us always abide stead fastly in our determination, when we must bear witness of the son of god, seeing11 he will be served of us in a matter of such weight and worthiness. But yet, let us have a special eye, whether they suffer for their faults, or for the testimony of God's trueth, having a special regard12 that we set not light of any person whom we shall perceive for such a cause to be oppressed. For13 we may not rashly judge in such a case, least the injury thereof touch god him self: we must therefore make diligent inquisition, to know the cause why men do suffer.
Here by mayst thou see that Tymothe myghte be in doubte what to do, and therfore saith Sainct Paul vnto him, althoughe I be made ⟨image 6⟩as it were1 an outcast in the face of the worlde, so as some laugh me to skorne, others deteste and hate me, yet be not thou therfore euer a whit the soner moued. For I am (sayth he)2 the prysoner of Iesus Chryste, As who wolde saye, thoughe the whole worlde wolde laye to my charge all the vyllany that coulde be deuysed, yet do they it not for myne offences, for my cause is auouched in goddes presence, and trulye the cause is his, for I suffer not for myne offences, his truethe is alwayes on my syde, when I suffer persecution, for that3 I haue maynteyned and doo maynteyne the worde of God. Care not for the iudgement of the world, for men are led4 with frowarde affections. Let it suffyce the then, ⟨image 6⟩that I be as it were an hostage for the sonne of god, who honoreth myne imprysonment, in such wyse, that thoughe the worlde thyncke it vyle and detestable,5 yet before god and his aungels it is not a lyttel estemed and honored. Nowe then, let vs lerne hereby in noo wyse to defrawde Iesus Chryste of the testimonye6 which we ought of beare of him hauyng our mouthe shutte, when it shall be nedeful to7 maynteine his honour and thactoritie of his gospel: but contrary wyse when we see our bretherne to be afflicted for the name of god,8 we be founde redy to be cowpled wyth them, and that we stande in defence as much as in vs is, for the same cause,9 tremblynge or fearynge nothynge at all, for al the ⟨image 7⟩
If we perceive they have walked in an upright conscience, and nevertheless blamed, reviled and tormented, and that for serving of God, let that suffice the to blot out all the obprobries of the world: for that is the reason wherefore saint Paul addeth:1 be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel: for2 naturally, it is given to every one of us to spare gladly him self: And though we confess, & that without dissimulation,3 that it is a singular grace which God giveth when he will be served of men for the maintenance of his cause, yet is there noon which would not gladly exempt him self from persecution. We can well praise *such, as valiantly offer them selves to the conflict, ⟨image 8⟩(as the martyrs of Jesus Christ)4 are worthy to be esteemed & honoured) yet in the mean while,5 there is none which would not gladly be far of from the stripes. And why? because we respect not this admonition of s. Paul,6 that is, that the gospel bringeth afflictions. Jesus Christ having once suffered in his own person,7 will now also have his doctrine coupled and joined to many miseries: He can when it shall please him, cause the gospel to be received without contradiction, but what?8 the holy scripture must be fulfilled, which shall be declared amongest the middest of his enemies. Men also must come unto him9 upon this condition, to suffer many conflicts, for as much ⟨image 8⟩as the wicked when god cauleth them, advance them selves and rebel against god,10 it is then unpossible for us to enjoy the gospel without persecution. Not for that the coals are kindled and the faggots always set on fire, but whether it be after one sort or other, it must come to pass, that11 we be exercised, we must needs (I say) fight under our Lord Jesus Christ. Now then, he which would get him self a far of from the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ,12 renounceth he not his own salvation? where is the hope of life, but in this sacrifice of the Son of god? for thus standeth the case that he will be like unto us, and we must be transformed into his similitude. Seeing then that it ⟨image 9⟩so is, let us learn to walk after that manner, seeing we are thereunto called, as heretofore we have seen, that such is the pleasure and will of God: we must then without farther disputing or contradiction,13 bow down our shoulders, and humble our selves thereunto.
If wee perceyue they haue walked in an vpright conscience, and neuertheles blamed, reuiled and tormented, and that for seruynge of God, let that suffice the to blotte out all the obprobries of the worlde: for that is the reason wherfore sayncte Paule addeth:1 be thou partaker of the afflyctions of the gospell: for2 naturallye, it is geuen to euery one of vs to spare gladly hym selfe: And thoughe we confesse, & that without dissymulation,3 that it is a syngular grace whiche God geueth when he wyl be serued of men for the mayntenaunce of his cause, yet is there noone whiche wolde not gladdely exempt hym selfe from persecution. Wee can well prayse *suche, as valiently offer them selues to the conflicte, ⟨image 8⟩(as the martirs of Iesus Christ)4 are worthy to be estemed & honoured) yet in the meane whyle,5 there is none whiche wolde not gladly be farre of from the strypes. And whye? because we respecte not this admonytion of s. Paule,6 that is, that the gospell bryngeth afflyctions. Ihesus Chryste hauynge once suffered in his owne person,7 wyl nowe also haue his doctryne coupled and ioyned to many miseries: He can when it shall please hym, cause the gospell to be receaued wythoute contradiction, but what?8 the holy scrypture must be fulfilled, whiche shall be declared amongest the middest of hys ennemies. Men also must come vnto hym9 vpon this condition, to suffer many conflyctes, for as much ⟨image 8⟩as the wicked when god cauleth them, auaunce them selues and rebell agaynste god,10 it is then vnpossible for vs to enioy the gospel without persecution. Not for that the cooles are kyndeled and the faggottes alwayes set on fier, but whether it be after one sorte or other, it muste come to passe, that
Now let us farther see, what Saint Paul here saith: for he leadeth us by degrees to the matter, in that he1 would not have us to be ashamed of our brethren, when they be evil spoken of, and rebuked of the world, but that we should be ever united unto them: but how may that be? first he declareth, that the gospel can not be without persecution, as tofore is said: it pleaseth god2 that men be so divided: not but that God ⟨image 9⟩cauleth all men outwardly to the unity of faith,3 and the doctrine of4 the gospel is the message of reconciliation. But yet note that the faithful5 are drawn by the hour of his holy spirit,6 the unfaithful abide in their hardness of heart, as hereafter it shall be more at length entreated of.
Nowe lette vs farther see, what Saynct Paul here saythe: for he leadeth vs by degrees to the matter, in that he1 wolde not haue vs to be ashamed of our bretherne, when they be euyll spoken of, and rebuked of the worlde, but that we shulde be euer vnyted vnto theym: but howe maye that be? fyrste he declareth, that the gospell can not be without persecution, as tofore is sayd: it pleaseth god2 that men be so deuyded: not but that God ⟨image 9⟩cauleth al men outwardly to the vnitie of faythe,3 and the doctrine of4 the gospell is the message of reconsiliation. But yet note that the faythfull5 are drawen by the hower of hys holye spirite,6 the vnfaythfull abyde in theyr hardnesse of harte, as hereafter it shal be more at length intreated of.
For as the fire is kindled, when thunder being engendered in the air bringeth forth a great hurly-burly, so is it when the gospel is preached. Now then if persecution follow the gospel, and Jesus Christ would that to be1 finished in his members which he suffered in his own person, thereby to be (as it were) daily crucified,2 can it be lawful for us to withdraw our selves from that state? Seeing then that in the ⟨image 10⟩gospel consisteth all hope of salvation, and that3 thereon we should stay our selves, let us note what Saint Paul saith, who willeth us to4 stretch forth our hand towards our brethren, when we see them oppressed, trodden under feet, spit at, and despited, &5 that we should rather desire to be their companions in suffering all obprobries and villainies of the world,6 then being honoured, had in reputation and credit, to be alienated from them which suffer for the cause which is common to either of us. This have we then to learn out of this place of scripture, now because on our behalf we be weak, and think we should be swallowed up, as it were through persecutions, as soon as we are assaulted ⟨image 10⟩by the rage of the enemies,7 which we see to have the swing and power in the world. S. Paul addeth, that8 we shall not be destitute of the aide succour & help of our God, for when he sendeth us to the conflict, it is not to try our force and strength, but he armeth us immediately, & giveth us an invincible power to withstand, and therefore addeth S. Paul: According to the power of God, to take away all excuses of discouragement. Every man (as I have said) would have a colour and cloak to withdraw him self from persecutions, and say. Oh, I would to god I had the grace to suffer for his names sake, I acknowledge it to be the greattest benefit that might happen to me, every one (I say) ⟨image 11⟩will confess this, but they will add, we are weak, we shall soon be overthrown, the torments will astonish us, ye see the cruelty and rage of the enemies. Thus will every one, after he hath confessed what an excellent thing it is to suffer for the name of god, be nevertheless quit. But S. Paul plucketh from us all such excuses,9 saying that god shall be ready to strengthen us, for we may not respect what is in our selves: For true it is that besides the invasions of our enemies, there needeth but our own shadows to fray us:
For as the fyer is kynled, when thūder being ingēdred in the aire bryngeth forthe a greate hurly-burly, so is it when the gospel is preached. Nowe then if persecution followe the gospell, and Iesus Chryst wolde that to be1 fynished in his members which he suffered in his own person, therby to be (as it were) dayly crucifyed,2 can it be lawfull for vs to withdrawe our selues from that state? Seinge then that in the ⟨image 10⟩gospell consisteth all hope of saluatiō, and that3 theron we shuld stay our selues, let vs note what Saynct Paul sayth, who wylleth vs to4 stretche forthe oure hande towardes oure bretherne, when we see them oppressed, troden vnder fete, spit at, and despited, &5 that we shuld rather desire to be theyr companyons in sufferinge all obprobries and vyllanies of the worlde,6 then beynge honoured, had in reputation and credyte, to be alienated from thē which suffer for the cause which is common to eyther of vs. This haue we then to lerne out of this place of scrypture, nowe because on our behalfe we be weake, and thyncke we should be swalowed vp, as it were throughe persecutions, as sone as we ar assaulted ⟨image 10⟩by the rage of the enemies,7 whiche we se to haue the swynge and power in the worlde. S. Paule addeth, that8 we shall not be destitute of the aide succour & helpe of oure God, for when he sendeth vs to the conflycte, it is not to try our force and strength, but he armeth vs immediatelye, & geueth vs an inuincible power to wythstande, and therefore addeth S. Paule: Accordinge to the power of God, to take awaye all excuses of dyscouragement. Euerye man (as I haue sayd) wold haue a colour and cloke to withdrawe hym selfe from persecutions, and saye. Oh, I wolde to god I had the grace to suffer for his names sake, I acknowledge it to be the greatteste benefyte that myghte happen to me, euery one (I saye)
our own conceit were sufficient to put us to flight. But after we have acknowledged our weakness, let us come to the remedy: and when we behold our own ⟨image 11⟩infirmities, and what a difficulty we have to withstand our enemies,1 let it be an occasion to induce us to call upon god with all humbleness for aid: and acknowledge2 no manner of ability in our selves, let us humbly caul upon him to stretch forth his hand, to the end he fail us not when we be brought to the extremity. And so (being at rest) to acknowledge,3 that we are more then feeble, to the end that our god prepare us to the examination and trial. For that is the true consideration of our weakness: that is (say I) that we acknowledging our infirmities,4 should desire god to help our weakness, according to that he knoweth to be metest for us: for thereunto must we have ••specte. ⟨image 12⟩If this doctrine were imprinted in our hearts without farther reasoning, we should be far away better disposed to suffer then we are. But alas? there are very few which remember this lesson: nay, it seemeth that we would rather stop our ears, and shut our eyes when we are spoken unto thereof, *we make wise that we are desirous, that god should strengthen us: but in effect we can not induce our selves to behold this power, whereof S. Paul speaketh, presuming that the matter toucheth us not.5 But yet doth our lord testify unto us, that his power shall be always in us and that we shall thereof be possessed. And therefore let not our […] be occasion to withdraw ⟨image 12⟩us from the cross and persecutions, seeing that god6 hath taken the care of us, to supply that which wanteth in us, who also promiseth to do it. Now S. Paul taketh not here the power of god, to trifle withal, but7 he testifieth to all faithful people, that it shall be ready and at hand when we desire the same, so far forth as we desire to be armed & warded therewith to fight when the Son of god calleth us to the conflict,8 farthermore inasmuch as men have need to be spurred forth on all sides. S.
our owne conceyte were sufficient to put vs to flyghte. But after we haue acknowleged oure weakenesse, let vs come to the remedy: and when we beholde our owne ⟨image 11⟩infyrmities, and what a difficultie we haue to withstande our ennemyes,1 let it be an occasion to induce vs to call vpon god with all humblenesse for ayde: and acknowledge2 no maner of habilitie in our selues, let vs humblye caule vpon hym to stretche forth his hande, to thende he fayle vs not when we be brought to thextremytee. And so (beynge at rest) to acknowledge,3 that wee are more then feable, to thende that oure god prepare vs to thexamynation and trial. For that is the true consideration of our weakenesse: yt is (saye I) that we acknowlegynge oure infyrmities,4 shoulde desyre god to helpe our weakenesse, accordynge to that he knoweth to be meteste for vs: for therevnto muste we haue ••specte. ⟨image 12⟩If this doctrine were imprynted in oure hartes without farther reasonynge, wee shoulde be farre awaye better dysposed to suffer then we are. But alas? there are verye fewe whiche remembre this lesson: naye, it seemeth that we wolde rather stop oure eares, and shutte oure eyes when we are spoken vnto therof, *we make wyse that we are desyrous, that god should strenthen vs: but in effecte we can not induce oure selues to beholde this power, wherof S. Paule speaketh, presumynge that the matter toucheth vs not.5 But yet dothe our lord testifie vnto vs, that his power shal be alwayes in vs and that we shal therof be possessed. And therefore let not our 〈…〉 be occatiō to withdraw ⟨image 12⟩vs from the crosse and persecutions, seyng that god6 hath taken the care of vs, to supplye that whiche wanteth in vs, who also promyseth to do it. Nowe S. Paule taketh not heere the power of god, to trifle withall, but
Paul addeth here one note to make us ashamed, if we be not fervently minded to glorify Jesus Christ, yea to suffer persecution when it shall be so his pleasure to call us thereunto, he ⟨image 13⟩saith, that1 god hath saved us, and hath called us with an holy vocation, then if God through his infinite goodness hath so2 prevented us, is our ingratitude to be excused, if we on the other side answer him not accordingly? behold the goodness of our God,3 which hath drawn us out of the golf of hell, wherein we were lost and damned,4 he hath brought us the salvation, and hath further called us to make us partakers thereof. when then god showeth him self thus liberal, if we on our behalf turn our backs and will not vouchsafe to receive the salvation which he offereth,5 were not that a point of malice to far out of square? Let us then take heed, how saint Paul goeth ⟨image 13⟩about to accuse here, all such as have not bin constant and courageous to suffer all the assaults, which for the gospels cause were laid on mens shoulders. So doth he without doubt go about to6 confirm the hope of the faithful, by opening that which god hath already done for them: for when god hath showed us any evident token of his kindness, he doth it to the end7 we should hope for the like an other time at his hand, until he have finished that which he hath begun. If then god hath8 saved us, and hath also called us with an holy vocation, think you that he will leave us in the middle of the way? when he hath9 opened unto us the salvation, that he hath given us legs to ⟨image 14⟩walk with, that he hath given us his gospel, by the which he leadeth us unto his kingdom, that he openeth the gate unto us: when he hath thus wrought with us, shall we think, that he will then leave us there, and so mock us, and cause his grace to be unprofitable, frustrate & lost? No, no,10 let us hope, that he will bring his work to perfection. Therefore let us go on11 boldly: for seeing god hath displayed one parcel of his power and might towards us, let us not doubt, but he will continue always12 to give us the perfect victory over satan and all our enemies so far as we tarry and abide until that Jesus Christ13 who is our head and captain, show him self, that14 all power and ⟨image 14⟩strength is given him of god his father,15 to communicate of the same unto us.
Paule addeth here oone note to make vs ashamed, if we be not feruently minded to glorifie Iesus Chryste, yea to suffer persecution when it shall be soo his pleasure to calle vs therunto, he ⟨image 13⟩sayth, that1 god hath saued vs, and hath cauled vs with an holy vocation, then if God throughe his infynyte goodnesse hathe soo2 preuēted vs, is our ingratitude to be excused, if we on the other syde answere him not accordingly? beholde the goodnesse of our God,3 whiche hath drawen vs out of the goulfe of hell, wherin we were loste and dampned,4 he hath broughte vs the saluation, and hathe further cauled vs to make vs partakers therof. whē then god sheweth hym selfe thus lyberall, yf we on oure behalfe turne oure backes and wyll not vouchesafe to receaue the saluation which he offereth,5 were not that a poynte of malyce to farre out of square? Let vs then take hede, howe sayncte Paule goeth ⟨image 13⟩aboute to accuse here, all such as haue not byn constante and coragyouse to suffer all thassaultes, whiche for the gospelles cause were layde on mennes shulders. So dothe he without doubte go aboute to6 confyrme the hope of the faythfull, by openynge that whiche god hath alredy done for them: for when god hath shewed vs any euident token of his kindnesse, he dothe it to the ende7 we should hope for the lyke an other tyme at his hande, vntyll he haue finished that which he hath begun. If then god hath8 saued vs, and hath also cauled vs with an holye vocation, thyncke you that he wyll leaue vs in the middle of the waye? when he hathe9 opened vnto vs the saluation, that he hath geuen vs legges to ⟨image 14⟩
We see now then, the meaning of Saint Paul. Wherefore after we have conceived what is the power of God, whereof we have a little before made mention, let us immediately add this declaration which hath ben made. True it is god hath in effect and by experience testified unto us,1 that he will never fail us at our need, and why? for he hath already saved us. Let us then so depend of him (seeing we are in the way) that he will surely bring us to salvation.2 He hath called us with an holy vocation, that is to say,3 he hath chosen us unto him self, he hath severed us from the world, whereby he declareth ⟨image 15⟩4that he would not have us caste away with the universal destruction of the world. For as much then as our lord hath thus withdrawn us from the wicked world,5 will he not still hold us under his mighty arm and conduct us until the end? This then is a sufficient confirmation of the power of god: which we shall still find ready at hand to help us,6 so far forth as therein we put our confidence and trust, calling to remembrance how we have already felt the same: But to make our profit of this doctrine effectually: first we must understand, that when god revealed his trueth unto us,7 it was an evident testimony, that we8 already appertained to his heavenly inheritance, ⟨image 15⟩that he would avouch for his own, and to be of his flock. Now then, when we shall be hereof well persuaded, & in our selves well resolved, then need we not doubt to walk on continually and go forward. For9 we shall be under his protection and defence: for seeing he is of such strength to surmount all our enemies,10 our salvation can not but be in safe keeping. Let us not then fear when we feel our infirmity, but11 let us stay our selves upon god, who will provide for us, seeing he hath12 promised to assist us. This had need to be well borne away. Let us therefore apply our study, and see, that we take good heed to remember that which is here said, for he will not fail us.
We see nowe then, the meanynge of Sayncte Paule. Wherefore after we haue conceued what is the power of God, wherof we haue a lyttle before made mention, let vs immedyately adde this declaration whiche hath ben made. Trewe it is god hath in effecte and by experyence testyfyed vnto vs,1 that he wyll neuer fayle vs at our nede, and why? for he hath alredy saued vs. Let vs then so depend of hym (seynge we are in the way) that he wyll surely bryng vs to saluation.2 He hath cauled vs with an holye vocation, that is to saye,3 he hath chosen vs vnto hym selfe, he hath seuered vs frō the world, wherby he declareth ⟨image 15⟩4that he wolde not haue vs caste awaye with the vnyuersall destruction of the worlde. For as muche then as oure lorde hathe thus withdrawen vs frome the wycked world,5 wyl he not still hold vs vnder his mighty arme and conducte vs vntill the ende? This then is a sufficient confirmation of the power of god: whiche we shall styll fynde redye at hande to helpe vs,6 so farforthe as therein we put our confidence and truste, callynge to remembraunce how we haue alredy felt the same: But to make our profyte of this doctryne effectually: fyrste we muste vnderstand, that when god reueled his trueth vnto vs,7 it was an euydent testymonye, that we8 alredye apperteyned to his heauenlye inherytaunce, ⟨image 15⟩that he wold avouche for his owne, and to be of his flocke. Nowe then, when we shall be hereof well perswaded, & in our selues well resolued, then nede we not doubte to walke on continually and go forward. For9 we shal be vnder his protection and defence: for seynge he is of suche strength to surmounte al our ennemyes,10
Thus after many persuasions made for the strengthening of us against such temptations, when we shall be at a full point that1 god will finish our salvation as he hath begun,2 assisting us in the middle of persecutions, in such wise that we shall with constancy surmount them, and triumph over our enemies, although3 it seemeth to the world that we are trodden under feet, yea and utterly swallowed up, then must we come to this declaration which Saint Paul addeth, touching our salvation and holy vocation whereof we have spoken. He saith that4 it is not for our deserts, but according to the purpose of God and his grace. Hereby will he better admonish us, by declaring, ⟨image 16⟩that our ingratitude is so much the more to be condemned5 in that that god hath opened the inestimable treasures of his goodness toward us, for he hath had6 no respect to our works or dignity, when he called •s to salvation, it proceeded of h•s free grace. That was the cause wh• he drew us to him self. A•• therefore the less shall be our e• cuse when we shall falsify ou• faith, seeing that not only w•7have bin purchased through the blood of our Lord Je• Christ his only begotten son, […] that he also cared for our sal•• cion before the creation of t• world.8 Let us mark well th• how S. Paul doth here co• dempne our ingratitude,9 if w• be found unfaithful to our god, […] ⟨image 17⟩stand not stout to bear witness unto his gospel, when he thereunto cauleth us. For10 we be not saved according to our deeds (saith he) but according to his own purpose and grace. S. Paul addeth, that that was given us11 before the world was, before the world had his course and beginning, but now hath it bin manifested (saith he) at the coming of our lord Jesus Christ. For when that great12 saviour appeared, the grace which before was hid (yea not to be comprehended by mans judgement) was manifested and opened. And why? because13 the Son of god, setting death at naught (saith he) hath also brought an immortal life. And we need not to make long circuits to find the same, ⟨image 17⟩14for the gospel leadeth and conducteth us thereunto.
Thus after many perswasions made for the strengthenynge of vs agaynste suche temptations, when we shal be at a full poynte that1 god wyl finyshe our saluation as he hath begunne,2 assystynge vs in the myddle of persecutions, in suche wyse that wee shall with constancie surmounte them, and tryumphe ouer our ennemyes, althoughe3 it seemeth to the worlde that we are troden vnder feete, yea and vtterly swolowed vp, then must we come to this declaration which Saynct Paule addeth, towchynge oure saluation and holy vocatiō wherof we haue spoken. He saith that4 it is not for our desertes, but accordynge to the purpose of God and his grace. Hereby wyll he better admonyshe vs, by declarynge, ⟨image 16⟩that oure ingratitude is so much the more to be condempned5 in that that god hath opened the inestimable treasors of his goodnes toward vs, for he hath had6 no respecte to our worckes or dignite, when he called •s to saluacion, it proceaded of h•s fre grace. That was the cause wh• he drewe vs to hym selfe. A•• therefore the lesse shalbe oure e• cuse when we shall falsefye ou• faithe, seynge that not onlye w•7haue byn purchased throug• the bloude of oure Lorde Ie• Christ his only begotten son, 〈…〉 that he also cared for our sal•• cion before the creation of t• worlde.8
When therefore god sendeth us that message of salvation, we must receive the inheritance promised,1 we need not trot far of for it, for god seeketh us out, by whose grace we open our hearts and give passage to this testimony of the gospel & immortality of the heavenly kingdom to dwell in us, although we be2 poor and frail vessels yea though there be but corruption and rottenness in us, yet apprehend we out of hand this immortality, and have a3 sufficient testimony accepting the grace which in the gospel is offered unto us. Herein is comprehended the whole process whereof saint Paul speaketh. Now to understand better that which ⟨image 18⟩is here contained, let us note this word Purpose to betoken the everlasting4 Decree of god, not as though the matters were to be carried hither and thither: for when we speak of the counsel of god,5 we may not always dispute, who hath so induced him we may not imagine reasons, as to say, for this cause hath god so determined, or wherefore would he so do, but contrary wise god would have us6 kept under this modesty to think that his only will should suffice us for reason, when he saith, god hath so ordained. Although the thing seem strange unto us, or that we could perceive therein no apparent reason, yet must we conclude, that his only will7 is just, and not to be reproved. That (say ⟨image 18⟩I) should be8 all our wisdom, to ratify all that for good, which god ordereth and disposeth, with out saying why or wherefore. Now for as much as men have always such tickling spirits, and give them selves over much liberty to their curiosities: S. Paul to abate such boldness, bringeth us back9 to the purpose of god, into the which we may not enter so deeply, as to know who hath moved him, but also to note it as a weighty matter, and that10 his will is just. Hereby then are we admonished that our salvation11 dependeth not for the respect of our merits, that god inquired not what we were, nor whereof we were worthy, when he chose us to him self. But he had his purpose, that ⟨image 19⟩is to say, he sought not without him self the cause of our salvation, for so this word purpose signifieth Decree. Saint Pauls mind herein is evident.
When therfore god sendeth vs that message of saluation, we must receaue the inheritaunce promysed,1 we nede not trotte far of for it, for god seketh vs out, by whose grace we open our hartes and geue passage to this testimony of the gospell & immortalite of the heuenly kingdome to dwell in vs, althoughe we be2 poore and fraile vesselles yea thoughe there be but corruption and rottennesse in vs, yet apprehende we out of hand this immortalitie, and haue a3 suffyciente testimonye acceptynge the grace whiche in the gospell is offered vnto vs. Herein is comprehended the whole processe wherof saynct Paule speaketh. Now to vnderstand better that whiche ⟨image 18⟩is here conteined, let vs note this worde Purpose to betoken the euerlastynge4 Decree of god, not as thoughe the matters were to be caryed hyther and thyther: for when we speake of the councel of god,5 we maye not alwayes dispute, who hath soo induced hym we may not imagyne reasons, as to saye, for this cause hath god so determyned, or wherfore wolde he so do, but contrarye wyse god wold haue vs6 kepte vnder this modestie to thincke that his onely wyll shoulde suffyce vs for reason, when he sayth, god hath soo ordeyned. Althoughe the thynge seme strange vnto vs, or that we coulde perceyue therin no apparante reason, yet muste we conclude, that his only wyl7 is iust, and not to be reproued. That (say ⟨image 18⟩I) shulde be8 al oure wysedome, to ratifie al that for good, which god ordereth and disposeth, with out sayenge whye or wherefore. Nowe for as muche as men haue always suche tyklynge spirites, and geue them selues ouer much lybertie to theyr curiosities: S. Paule to abate suche boldenesse, bryngeth vs backe9
but because that men according to their arrogancy, can not temper them selves except they imagine always some dignity or worthiness to be proper to them selves, and that they well deserve that god should seek after them. S. Paul specially the better to1 exclude all that men can attribute unto them selves, saith, purpose and grace: which importeth as much as though he had said, purpose freely. It serveth then to abate all our works, to the end we be no more so foolish and obstinate as to think, that God hath chosen us, for any thing ⟨image 19⟩that was in us. No no, for we know2 that god went not out of him self when he chose us to salvation, for he saw3 there was but damnation in us, he then contented him self with his pure grace & infinite mercy. Who4 beholding our miseries, would5 succour and help us, although we were not worthy thereof. And for more ample confirmation hereof. Saint Paul saith that this grace was given us6 before all times. And hereby see we, how men are7 deprived of their senses when they will boast them selves, and stand in their own conceit, that they be the cause of their own salvation, & that they have anticipated or prevented God's goodness: Now then, doth not our salvation depend of the eternal ⟨image 20⟩election?8 God chose us before we were, what could we then do, were we then apt vessels? were we then well disposed to come to God? we see then that our salvation beginneth not from the time we had knowledge and discretion, sithens we were well disposed or minded, our salvation (I say) beginneth not thence, but it is grounded upon the eternal election of god which was before the world was made. What could we then do? Had we the means to promote our selves? could we move god to caul us to him self? and to separate us from the world? is there not then in us a great blindness,9 as to think in our selves some worthiness, to exalt our merits to the obscuring and darkening ⟨image 20⟩of God's grace, and that we can prepare our selves to have access unto him through our merits? well then for what purpose hath saint Paul set here the election of god, saying, that the grace of god hath bin given us before all times?
but because that men accordynge to theyr arrogansie, can not temper them selues except they imagine alwayes some dygnytie or worthynes to be proper to theym selues, and that theye well deserue that god shoulde seke after them. S. Paule specyally the better to1 exclude all that men can attrybute vnto them selues, sayth, purpose and grace: which importeth as much as though he had sayde, purpose freely. It serueth then to abate al our workes, to the ende we be no more soo folyshe and obstynate as to thyncke, that God hath chosen vs, for anye thynge ⟨image 19⟩that was in vs. No no, for wee knowe2 that god went not out of hym selfe when he chose vs to saluation, for he sawe3 there was but dampnation in vs, he then contented him self with his pure grace & infinite mercy. Who4 beholdynge oure myseries, wolde5 succour and helpe vs, although we were not worthy therof. And for more ample confyrmatiō herof. Sayncte Paule saythe that this grace was geuen vs6 before all tymes. And herby se we, how men are7 depriued of their senses when they wyl bost them selues, and stand in theyr owne conceyt, that they bee the cause of theyr owne saluation, & that they haue anticipated or preuented goddes goodnesse: Nowe then, doth not oure saluation depend of the eternal ⟨image 20⟩election?8 God chose vs before we were, what could we then do, were we then apt vesselles? were we then well disposed to come to God? we se then that oure saluation beginneth not from the time we had knowledge and discretion, sithens we were well disposed or mynded, oure saluation (I saye) beginneth not thens, but it is grounded vppon the eternall election of god whiche was before the world was made. What coulde we then do? Had we the meanes to promote our selues? coulde we moue god to caule vs to hym selfe? and to separate vs from the world? is there not thē in vs a greate blyndnesse,
he wyll be serued of vs in a matter of suche weight and worthinesse. But yet, let vs haue a speciall eye, whether they suffer for theyr fautes, or for the testimonie of goddes truethe, hauynge a specyall regarde
we maye not rashely iudge in suche a case, least thiniurie therof touche god hym selfe: we must therfore make dylygente inquisition, to know the cause why men do suffer.
we be exercised, we must nedes (I say) fyght vnder oure Lorde Iesus Chryst. Now then, he whiche wolde gette him selfe a farre of from the crosse of oure Lorde Iesus Chryste,
renounceth he not his owne saluation? where is the hope of lyfe, but in this sacryfyce of the sonne of god? for thus standeth the case that he wyll be like vnto vs, and we must be transformed into his symilitude. Seynge then that it
⟨image 9⟩
so is, let vs lerne to walke after that maner, seynge we are thervnto cauled, as heretofore wee haue seene, that suche is the pleasure and wyll of God: we muste then without farther disputynge or contradyction,
bowe downe oure shoulders, and humble oure selues thervnto.
⟨image 11⟩
wyll confesse this, but they wyll adde, we are weake, we shal sone be ouerthrowen, the tormentes wyll astonyshe vs, ye se the crueltie and rage of thenemyes. Thus wyll euery one, after he hath confessed what an excellent thyng it is to suffer for the name of god, be neuerthelesse quit. But S. Paule plucketh from vs all suche excuses,
sayinge that god shall be ready to strengthen vs, for we may not respecte what is in our selues: For true it is that besydes the inuations of our ennemyes, there nedeth but oure owne shadowes to fraye vs:
he testifyeth to al faythful people, that it shall be redye and at hande when we desyre the same, so ferforth as we desyre to be armed & warded therwith to fight when the sonne of god calleth vs to the conflycte,
farthermore in asmuche as men haue nede to be spurred forthe on all sydes. S.
walke with, that he hath geuen vs his gospell, by the whych he leadeth vs vnto his kyngdome, that he openeth the gate vnto vs: when he hath thus wrought with vs, shal we thynke, that he wyll then leaue vs there, and so mocke vs, and cause his grace to be vnprofitable, frustrate & lost? No, no,
promised to assyste vs. This hadde nede to be well borne away. Let vs therfore applye oure studye, and see, that we take good hede to remember that whiche is here sayde, for he wyll not fayle vs.
Let vs marke wel th• howe S. Paul dothe here co• dempne our ingratitude,
before the worlde was, before the worlde had his course and begynnynge, but nowe hath it byn manyfested (sayth he) at the commyng of oure lord Iesus Christ. For when that great
to the purpose of god, into the whiche wee maye not enter so depelye, as to knowe who hath moued him, but also to note it as a weyghty matter, and that
dependethe not for the respecte of oure merytes, that god inquyred not what we were, nor whereof we were worthy, when he chose vs to him self. But he had his purpose, that
⟨image 19⟩
is to saye, he sought not without hym selfe the cause of oure saluation, for soo this worde purpose signifieth Decree. Sainct Paules mynde herein is euydent.
as to thyncke in our selues some worthynesse, to exalte oure merytes to the obscuryng and darkening
⟨image 20⟩
of goddes grace, and that we can prepare our selues to haue accesse vnto him throughe our merites? wel then for what purpose hath sayncte Paule set here the election of god, sayeng, that the grace of god hath byn geuen vs before al tymes?
