❧ 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. To the Christian Reader. Among the manifold, sound, and most wholesome lessons, which are taught us in the heavenly school of our Saviour jesus christ, there be none that the holy ghost in more earnest wise requireth us to learn, or that more maketh for our comfort here and in the world to come, then to have quietness of mind in adversity, and to be assured of eternal salvation in Christ jesus. For Heb. 12. (though all trouble for the present time be grievous) yet like as when we patiently run the race that is set before us, enduring such correction and chastisement as our heavenly father layeth upon us, he than causeth the same to turn so much to our profit, and to bring us so quiet fruit of righteousness, that we thereby obtain more of his holiness, and become vessels more apt to serve the glory of his name, and to edify his church: Even so, of all consolations and comforts, this is most incomparable, Ephe. 1. 2. Tim. 1 Mat. 25 that through the most gracious purpose of the eternal God, our everlasting salvation is so certain and sure, that it was determined and decreed by him in christ jesus his eternal son, before the foundation of the world was laid. touching these two points: namely, the quiet or patient suffering of trouble in Christ's cause. And the assurance of our eternal salvation in him, thou hast here (gentle reader) two notable, godly and comfortable sermons, made by gods faithful servant, master john calvin even at such time as here in England, the sword of tyranny was full of blood, and the fire burning hot. By the which worthy sermons, we all be called upon: partly to choose rather to suffer adversity with the people of God, Heb. 11. then to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season: And partly in nothing to rejoice so much, as in that our names are written in heaven. Luc. 10. As we be taught by our said sovereign lord and master christ jesus, blessed for ever ⸫ Amen. sunday the .v. of May. 1555. in the forenoon. 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. etc. Although that almighty God hath in his son sufficiently Io. 17. 1. Co. 2. Ephe. 3. manifested his glory and majesty through his spirit and gospel, wherethrough he is of all the world to be honoured and worshipped, yet is man's unkindness such, that he needeth continual exhortation, to be nothing shamed of that gospel. And why? for though god by his word calleth all creatures to himself, yet Mat. 13. Mar. 4. Luke. 8. the more part rebel, despise and despite the doctrine whereby he would be known and worshipped: saying then, men are so proud, perverse and froward, Ps. 74. as to elevate themselves against their creator, let us not withstanding take sure hold of this place of scripture here declared, that is, Luc. 9 that we be not ashamed of the gospel. And why? because it is the testimony of our god, which we as nigh as in us lieth, 1. Cor. 9 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. Wherefore he appointeth Act. 10. witness bearers, to testify the same unto us. And therefore let us render unto him this honour, although the whole world went astray, Phil. 3. 2. Ti. 2. 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 Mat. 10 1. Tes. 4 when we separate ourselves 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: Heb. 10, 2 Tim. 4 but god is therewith also displeased, in as much as the man which 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 Tymothee, 2. Ti. 1. be not ashamed of me. And to say the truth, as I have already declared, one might laugh Tymothe 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, 2 Pa. 36 Psal. 35.78.79. for than they assault and hardly lay at them which have maintained their doctrine. Here by mayst thou see that Tymothe might be in doubt what to do, and therefore saith Saint Paul unto him, although I be made as it were 1. Co. 4. 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) Ep. 3.4. Col. 4. 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 truth is always on my side, when I suffer persecution, for that Phil. 1. I have maintained and do maintain the word of God. Care not for the judgement of the world, for men are led Gene. 6. Psa. 94 with froward affections. Let it suffice the then, 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, Ps. 116. 1. Pet. 1. yet before god and his angels it is not a little esteemed and honoured. Now then, let us learn hereby in no wise to defrawde jesus christ of the testimony Ephe. 6. which we ought of bear of him having our mouth shut, when it shall be needful to Phil. 1. maintain his honour and thauthority of his gospel: but contrary wise when we see our brethren to be afflicted for the name of god, Heb. 13. 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, Phil. 1. trembling or fearing nothing at all, for all the storms which might happen, though the devil have the bridle at will, and though things were never so far out of order. 1. Co. 15. Colo. 1. Let us always abide stead fastly in our determination, when we must bear witness of the son of god, saying Rom. 1. Phil. 2. 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 truth, having a special regard 1. Co. 16. that we set not light of any person whom we shall perceive for such a cause to be oppressed. For joh. 7. Phil. 1. we may not rashly judge in such a case, lest thinjury thereof touch god himself: we must therefore make diligent inquisition, to know the cause why men do suffer. 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: 2. Tim. 1 be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel: for Ephe. 5. naturally, it is given to every one of us to spare gladly himself: And though we confess, & that without dissimulation, Phil. 1. 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 himself from persecution. We can well praise * such, as valiantly offer themselves to the conflict, (as the martyrs of jesus Christ) Heb. 11. are worthy to be esteemed & honoured) yet in the mean while, Ephe. 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, Heb. 12. 2. Ti. 3. that is, that the gospel bringeth afflictions. Jesus' christ having once suffered in his own person, Act. 14. 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? Act. 1. Luc. 1. the holy scripture must be fulfilled, which shall be declared amongst the midst of his enemies. Men also must come unto him Eccle. 2. upon this condition, to suffer many conflicts, for as much as the wicked when god calleth them, advance themselves and rebel against god, Mar. 10 2. Tim. 3 it is then unpossible for us to enjoy the gospel without persecution. Not for that the cools are kindled and the faggots always set on fire, but whether it be after one sort or other, it must come to pass, that Heb. 12. we be exercised, we must needs (I say) fight under our Lord jesus christ. Now then, he which would get himself a far of from the cross of our Lord jesus christ, 2. Ti. 2. 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. saying then that it so is, let us learn to walk after that manner, saying 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, Mat. 11. bow down our shoulders, and humble ourselves thereunto. Now let us farther see, what saint Paul here saith: for he leadeth us by degrees to the matter, in that he 2. Tim. 1 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 god Mat. 10 that men be so divided: not but that God calleth all men outwardly to the unity of faith, Luc. 14. and the doctrine of 2. Cor. 5 the gospel is the message of reconciliation. But yet note that the faithful Rom. 8. are drawn by the hour of his holy spirit, Rom. 11 the unfaithful abide in their hardness of heart, as hereafter it shall be more at length entreated of. For as the fire is kynled, when thunder being engendered in the air bringeth forth a great hurly burly, so is it when the gospel is preached. Now than if persecution follow the gospel, and jesus christ would that to be Colo. 1. finished in his members which he suffered in his own person, thereby to be (as it were) daily crucified, Mat. 10 16. can it be lawful for us to withdraw ourselves from that state? seeing then that in the gospel consisteth all hope of salvation, and that Colo. 1. thereon we should stay ourselves, let us note what saint Paul saith, who willeth us to Rom. 12 Heb. 6. stretch forth our hand towards our brethren, when we see them oppressed, trodden under feet, spit at, and despited, & Heb. 10. that we should rather desire to be their companions in suffering all obprobries and vyllanies of the world, Heb. 11. 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 by the rage of the enemies, Ps. 74. which we see to have the swinging and power in the world. S. Paul addeth, that Heb. 13. we shall not be destitute of the aid 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 himself from persecutions, and say. Oh, I would to god I had the grace to suffer for his name's sake, I acknowledge it to be the greatest benefit that might happen to me, every one (I say) will confess this, but they will add, we are weak, we shall soon be overthrown, the torments will astonyshe us, ye see the cruelty and rage of th'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, 1. Cor. 10 saying that god shall be ready to strengthen us, for we may not respect what is in ourselves: For true it is that besides the invations of our enemies, there needeth but our own shadows to fray us: 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 infirmities, and what a difficulty we have to withstand our enemies, Psal. 50 let it be an occasion to induce us to call upon god with all humbleness for aid: and acknowledge 2. Cor. 3. no manner of ability in ourselves, let us humbly call upon him to stretch forth his hand, to th'end he fail us not when we be brought to thextremity. And so (being at rest) to acknowledge, 2. Co. 11. that we are more than feeble, to th'end that our god prepare us to thexamination and trial. For that is the true consideration of our weakness: it is (say I) that we acknowledging our infirmities, Mar. 9 should desire god to help our weakness, according to that he knoweth to be meteste for us: for thereunto must we have ●●specte. If this doctrine were imprinted in our hearts without farther reasoning, we should be far away better disposed to suffer than 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 ourselves to behold this power, whereof S. Paul speaketh, presuming that the matter toucheth us not. 2. Co. 12 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 us from the cross and persecutions, seeing that god 1. Pet. 5. 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, but Phil. 1. he testifieth to all faithful people, that it shall be ready and at hand when we desire the same, so farforth as we desire to be armed & warded therewith to fight when the son of god calleth us to the conflict, 2. Cor. 9 furthermore in asmuch as men have need to be spurred forth on all sides. S. 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 saith, that Tit. 2.3. god hath saved us, and hath called us with an holy vocation, then if God through his infinite goodness hath so Psa. 59 prevented us, is our ingratitude to be excused, if we on the other side answer him not accordingly? behold the goodness of our God, Psa. 86 Osee. 13 which hath drawn us out of the gulf of hell, wherein we were lost and dampened, Tit. 2. he hath brought us the salvation, and hath further called us to make us partakers thereof. when then god showeth himself thus liberal, if we on our behalf turn our backs and will not vouchsafe to receive the salvation which he offereth, Rom. 2. were not that a point of malice to far out of square? Let us then take heed, how saint Paul goeth about to accuse here, all such as have not been constant and coragyouse to suffer all th'assaults, which for the gospels cause were laid on men's shoulders. So doth he without doubt go about to Rom. 1. Act. 14. 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 end 2 Cor. 1. we should hope for the like an other time at his hand, until he have finished that which he hath begun. If then god hath 2. Tim. 1 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 hath Act. 14. opened unto us the salvation, that he hath given us legs to 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, 1. Cor. 1. Phil. 1. let us hope, that he will bring his work to perfection. Therefore let us go on Heb. 4.10. boldly: for seeing god hath displayed one parcel of his power and might towards us, let us not doubt, but he will continue always 1. Co. 15. to give us the perfect victory over sathan and all our enemies so far as we tarry and abide until that jesus christ Col. 1. who is our head and captain, show himself, that Heb. 12. all power and strength is given him of god his father, Mat. 28 Phil. 2. to communicate of the same unto us. 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 been made. True it is god hath in effect and by experience testified unto us, 1. Cor. 10 Heb. 13. that he will never fail us at our need, and why? for he hath already saved us. Let us then so depend of him (saying we are in the way) that he will surely bring us to salvation. 2. Tim. 1 He hath called us with an holy vocation, that is to say, Ioh 15. he hath chosen us unto himself, he hath severed us from the world, whereby he declareth 1. Cor. 11 that he would not have us cast away with the universal destruction of the world. For as much then as our lord hath thus withdrawn us from the wicked world, Isa. 40 62 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, Hebr. 3. so farforth 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 truth unto us, Act. 15. it was an evident testimony, that we Tit. 3. already appertained to his heavenly inheritance, that he would avouch for his own, and to be of his flock. Now then, when we shall be hereof well persuaded, & in ourselves well resolved, than need we not doubt to walk on continually and go forward. For Psa. 91. we shall be under his protection and defence: for saying he is of such strength to surmount all our enemies, joh. 10. our salvation can not but be in safe keeping. Let us not then fear when we feel our infirmity, but psal. 37 let us stay ourselves upon god, who will provide for us, saying he hath josu. 1. Heb. 13. 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. Thus after many persuasions made for the strengthening of us against such temptations, when we shall be at a full point that Phil. 1. god will finish our salvation as he hath begun, 2 Tim. 3. assisting us in the middle of persecutions, in such wise that we shall with constancy surmount them, and triumph over our enemies, although 1. Cor. 4 2 Cor. 4 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 that Tit. 3. it is not for our deserts, but according to the purpose of God and his grace. Hereby will he better admonish us, by declaring, that our ingratitude is so much the more to be condemned Heb. 6. in that that god hath opened the inestimable treasures of his goodness toward us, for he hath had Rom. 3. Ep●e. 2. 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 himself. A●● therefore the less shallbe our e●cuse when we shall falsify ou● faith, saying that not only w● ●eb. 9 have been purchased through the blood of our Lord Ie● Christ his only begotten son, 〈◊〉 that he also cared for our sal●●cion before the creation of t● world. ●phe. 1. Let us mark well th● how S. Paul doth here condemn our ingratitude, ●ebr. 3. if w● be found unfaithful to our god, 〈◊〉 stand not stout to bear witness unto his gospel, when he thereunto calleth us. For Tit. 3. 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 us Ephe. 1. before the world was, before the world had his course and beginning, but now hath it been manifested (saith he) at the coming of our lord jesus Christ. For when that great Tit. 2. saviour appeared, the grace which before was hid (yea not to be comprehended by man's judgement) was manifested and opened. And why? because Heb, 2. the son of god, setting death at nought (saith he) hath also brought an immortal life. And we need not to make long circuits to find the same, Ephe. 3. for the gospel leadeth and conducteth us thereunto. When therefore god sendeth us that message of salvation, we must receive the inheritance promised, Rom. 10. 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 be Psa. 103. job. 17. poor and frail vessels yea though there be but corruption and rottenness in us, yet apprehend we out of hand this immortality, and have a Rom. 8. 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 is here contained, let us note this word Purpose to betoken the everlasting Ephe. 1. Decree of god, not as though the matters were to be carried hither and thither: for when we speak of the council of god, Rom. 9 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 us Rom. 12. 1. Pet. 1. 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 will Ro. 9 Psa. 92. is just, and not to be reproved. That (say I) should be Deu. 4. 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 tykling spirits, and give themselves over much liberty to their curiosities: S. Paul to abate such boldness, bringeth us back 2. Tim. ● 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 that Psa. 92. his will is just. Hereby then are we admonished that our salvation Ephe. 2. 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 himself. But he had his purpose, that is to say, he sought not without himself the cause of our salvation, for so this word purpose signifieth Decree. Saint Paul's mind herein is evident. but because that men according to their arrogansie, can not temper themselves 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 to Rom. 3. exclude all that men can attribute unto themselves, 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 that was in us. No no, for we know Ephe. 1. that god went not out of himself when he chose us to salvation, for he saw Rom. 5. there was but damnation in us, he then contented himself with his pure grace & infinite mercy. Who Psa. 102. beholding our miseries, would Psal. 12. secure and help us, although we were not worthy thereof. And for more ample confirmation hereof. Sayncte Paul saith that this grace was given us Ephe. 1. before all times. And hereby see we, how men are Eccle. 16. deprived of their senses when they will boast themselves, and stand in their own conceit, that they be the cause of their own salvation, & that they have anticipated or prevented gods goodness: Now then, doth not our salvation depend of the eternal election? Ephe. 1. 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, sithence 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 ourselves? could we move god to call us to himself? and to separate us from the world? is there not then in us a great blindness, Rom. 10. Phil. 3. as to think in ourselves some worthiness, to exalt our merits to the obscuring and darkening of god's grace, and that we can prepare ourselves 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 been given us before all times? but that there through we are suffycientely admonysed, that they which think to abolish the doctrine of the election of god, do adnichylate (as much as in them is) the salvation of the world, and blot out by such devilish supposts and pillars, the virtue of the blood of our lord jesus christ: to put all to confusion, Gala. 1. to overthrow the gospel, yea, and utterly to quench and bring out of memory the goodness of god, the devil hath no meeter props than such as fight against predestination, which Act. 13. 1. Tess. 2. can not suffer in their devilish rage, that the same be spoken of, and that this message be published as it ought. If we detest the papists being most execrable, because they have prophamed all the holy scripture, because they have perverted and corrupted the truth of the gospel and service of god, by infecting all the world with superstition and idolatry, thothers are much more detestable which go about to set at nought the spirit of grace and election of god, and would by crooked & perverse ways Herald 10.29 1. Tes. 2. endeavour to stop the mouths of such as would clearly and openly publish this doctrine, as the worthiness thereof requireth. For wherein consisteth the salvation of the faithful, Rom. 11. but in the free election of god? should we not preach and declare, that god hath chosen his, through his free mercy without respect of any thing that is? shall we not suffer this mystery (high though it be, incomprehensible though it be) to be declared, 2. Tim. 1 when as god would have it to be revealed? Truly it is an evidence, that we conspire with sathan, to declare that jesus Christ hath suffered in vain and that the passion which he suffered profiteth the world nothing, and that all went to the devil and to destruction. This then is the first point which we have herein to observe and mark, that when we adnychylate the election of god, the gospel can not be preached: for without it, it is a bastard gospel and a profane: it is a doctrine of machomyte, there can be no more church nor chrystyanitie, what shall then be said? Luke. 12 when we shall bely the holy ghost which here speaketh: when we go about to refuse this doctrine. And therefore on our behalf let us determine Phil. 1. constantly to defend it, for it is the ground of our salvation. How can we build and maintain the building, when the foundation shallbe overthrown? Sayncte Paul calleth us hereunto when he will go about to show by what power we have to fight, how we shall aspire to this inheritance which hath been so 1. Pet. 1. dearly bought for us how we enter into the glory of god, Luc. 14. how we shall finish this building. He saith, my friends you must be founded upon this grace which is not of to day or yesterday, but before the creation of the world. True it is, that at this present god calleth us, but Rom. 8. the election goth before: yea god elected us being not moved thereunto through our deserts, afore we could have laid before him any thing at all, for we own him all, he hath drawn us zach. 5. from the gulf of destruction wherein we were drowned like poor desperate creatures. It is then good reason 1 Pet. 9 that we submit ourselves wholly unto him, accounting ourself Rom. 3. all together bound to his goodness, wherewith we should be wholly ravished. In this wise speaketh saint Paul. And so let us hold fast this foundation (as I have said) except we would that our salvation should run into decay and destruction. And to conclude, let us note also that this doctrine is more than profitable, when it is well applied for our usage. They which would we should speak nothing at all of the election of god, will say. Oh what, it is not necessary. But such persons never tasted of the goodness of god, nor of the hope which we ought to have: little know they what it is, not to go to our lord jesus christ. For if we know not, that we be saved for that it hath pleased god Ephe. 1. to choose us before the creation of the world, how should we know that, which saint Paul here rehearseth unto us, which is, Ephe. 2. that we be dedicated to God, 1. Pet. 2. for to be made apt and disposed to live and die in his service? How can we magnify his holy name? how can we confess that our salvation proceedeth of him alone? & that he is the beginning? and that we have not assisted him therein? well we may say it with our tongue, but it shallbe hypocritically spoken, except we be resolved upon this doctrine, as it is here set forth and declared. Let us learn therefore that this doctrine of the election of god, and by the which we be taught that he hath predestinated us before the creation of the world, that this doctrine (I say) 2. Tim. 3 ought to be preached boldly and plainly in despite of all the world which would withstand the same. And not only, that, but we know that it is an article more than profitable: for without that, we can not effectually apprehend the infinite goodness of our god, until we be brought so far: for a man shall but shadow always the mercies of god, if we have not this sure principle and ground, that he chose us Ephe. 1. before we were borne, or could otherwise prevent him. And why? though men would say, we have been redeemed by the blood of our lord jesus Christ and that we were unworthy of his so great mercy showed us, yet who is it (will they say) that hath his part and portion in such redemption which god hath purchased in the person of his son but such as will have it, such as seek after god, such as do subject themselves, such as be not too stubborn, such as are of good inclination and disposition, they which have some good devotion? but when they shall meddle with the matter after such a sort, and presume to be called unto god & to his grace through any thing proceeding of themselves, or think that they brought some gobbet of their own to part stake with god concerning their salvation, 1. Co. 4. it wear as much as to obscure, yea to tear (as it were) in pieces the grace of god, which is a sacrilege not to be born with and therefore have I said, that the goodness of god shall never be known at the full as it ought, until such time as the election be laid before us, 1 Pet. 1. testyfiing that we are at this instant called, Sunday the .v. of may. 1555. after dinner. 2. Tim. 1 ¶ 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. etc. WE have declared this morning according to the text of saint Paul, that to know effectually gods free grace concerning our salvation, we must have recourse to his eternal counsel, by the which he did Ephe. 1. chose us before the creation of the world: For therein we behold and see, that Rom. 11 Ephe. 2. he had no respect to our persons, or to any dignity that was in us, nor to any merits that we could bring him. And why? because that yer we were born, we were written up in his Register, and he had already Luc. 10. Rom. 8. accepted us for his children. Therefore let us learn to attribute the whole to his mercy, acknowledging and testifying, that on our behalf, 1. Cor. 4. we could not rejoice of any thing that was in us, without derogation of the honour due unto god. True it is, that according to man's Gene. 6. wicked nature, some will cavil to darken the grace of god: saying, that though god had chosen some before the creation of the world, he did it according to that which he foresaw they should differ from thothers. Nevertheless the scripture showeth evidently, that Mat. 25 god stayeth not until they can show themselves whether they be worthy or not, when he chooseth them: But the sophisters think, they can obscure the grace of god: in saying, that thought he regarded not the merits passed yet reckoneth he upon the merits that are to come. For (say they) though jacob and Esau his brother Rom. 9 had done no good nor evil, yet god did chose the one, and rejected the other: So he foresaw (as Heb. 4. all things are present unto him) that Esau would be a wicked man, a contemner of all: and that jacob would be such one, as with the time he declared himself. In this wise do such persons lay their foundation: but these are vain imaginations, for they all together bely S. Paul, Eph 1.2 2. Tim. 1 who proveth that God gave no reward to our works when he chose us, in as much as that was decreed and done before the creation of the world. And though the Authority of S. Paul were not of force, yet is the matter so evident, that they which think to escape through such shifts, show themselves very beasts, and as men to far over seen (I say) not only in the understanding of the scriptures, but also to be void of all reason. For if we would search to find out what is in man, what shall we find there? Gen. 6. Is not the whole mass of mankind accursed? Psa. 51. What brought we out of our mother's womb, but all iniquity? Eccle. 2. We differ not at all then the one from the other but that it pleased god to gather unto himself joh. 15. those whom he would. And therefore useth S. Paul that word in an other place of scripture, when he saith, that 1. Cor. 4 men have not whereof to rejoice, because none shallbe found to excel his neighbour, but in that wherein we are discerned of god. saying then it is the proper office of God to discern us from them which abide in their condemnation. Let us acknowledge, that all should have been lost, Rom. 5. except the remedy had come unto us by an other means. So then after we have confessed, that Ephe. 1. god chose us before the world was made, it followeth thereof, that he then prepared us to receive his grace, which he powered into us that which was not there before: not that he only Tit. 3. chose us to be inheritors of his kingdom, but that also immediately he Rom. 8. marked us, to th'end we should be justified and governed by his holy spirit. This doctrine ought to be so assured and resolved upon among Christians, that if any despise it (as we see many at this present day go about to quench and extinguish the truth of god) we ought to acknowledge them to Act. 7. repine or repugn against the holy ghost: yea to be as bulls and mad beasts, which would utterly set at nought all the holy scripture. For in deed there hath been more honesty in the papists then in them. For the doctrine of the papists in this behalf is better, holier, and far away more conformable to the holy scripture, then is that of these wicked wretches, which this day go about like barking dogs and hogs, that with their mussels would wrote up all (as we may see) to overthrow and turn up side down the election of god, which men's impiety to far passeth measure. Wherefore come of it what will, let us stick hard to the doctrine here declared. For saying God had chosen us Ephe. 1. before the world had his course, let us attribute the cause of our salvation to his free goodness. We ought to confess, that Ephe. 2. we are not adopted by him according to our demerits: for we had nothing, nor could bring any thing at all of our own unto him. We must therefore ascribe the Ebre. 5. cause and offspring of our salvation to remain in him alone, and thereon to ground ourselves, for other wise all that ever we shall build, will run to ruin. But yet we must well note that which S. Paul here addeth: first the grace of jesus christ with the eternal counsel of god his father. And then how he bringeth us to our vocation: to the end we might be assured of god's goodness and good will Colo. 1. which had been hid from us, except he had given us a testimony thereof. For the first point then S. Paul saith, that the grace which dependeth of the only purpose of god and therein comprised, is given us in our lord jesus christ. As though he would say: For as much as Rom. 5. we deserve to be rejected and hated as mortal enemies of god, it was of necessity, that joh. 15. we should be graffed as it were in jesus christ: to th'end that god might recognize and avouch us for his children. For when god respecteth us, Psal. 30 he can not but detest us, for that he findeth us full of poverty, full of sin, and as it were stuffed up with all iniquity. God who is the sovereign justice, Isa. 59 can not enter into any manner of league or appointment with us, whiles he beholdeth our nature. Where as he then would choose us before the creation of the world, it was of necessity, 1. Ti. 2. that jesus Christ should be there between both: to th'end we might be elected in his person, for he was the well be loved son: and when god coupleth us unto him, Ephe. 1. then are we acceptable in his sight. Let us learn then to be fully certified of the election of god, thereof to make our profit, and directly to come to jesus christ: for he is the 2. Co. 4. Colo. 1. true glass, wherein we may behold our election. If jesus Christ be take away, then remaineth God a judge for sinners, at whose hands we can not hope for favour or good thing but rather wait for all vengeance. His majesty also will be always terrible unto us joh. 15. without jesus christ. If any talk unto us of his eternal purpose, we shall be so astonied, as though he were in full readiness to cast us down into hell. But when we shall acknowledge, that john. 1. in christ resteth all grace, then may we assure ourselves, that god hath loved us, although we were not worthy thereof. Let this serve for one special point, touching that whereof S. Paul here speaketh. secondarily that he here speaketh not simply of the election of god (for that could not sufficiently resolve us, but rather bring us into a greater perplexity of mind) But S. Paul addeth the word Vocation, by the which, god hath 2 Cor. 2. 1. Pet. 1. manifested his counsel, that before was unknown, and whereunto we else could never aspire. How shall we then know, that we are elected of god, to th'end we might rejoice in him, and glory over the goodness which he hath revealed unto us? Some speak of the election of god at adventures, leaving the gospel, leaving all that god layeth before us, to bring us unto himself: yea all the means which he hath ordained, and knoweth to be meet for us to put in ure. But we may not so proceed: For we must ( 2. Tim. 1 Rom. 8. according to S. Paul's rule) couple the vocation with the eternal election. Now this word (Vocation) signifieth as much as a caulling. True it is that the word is taken out of the latin: yet such as understand no latin, aught to know what the word importeth. Now than it is said, that we are called, which is the second word. God then calleth us: But how? When it pleaseth him 1. Co. 2. to certify us of our election, which otherwise we should never have attained unto. For who ever entered into the council of God? Isa. 40 Rom. 11. as the prophet isaiah & S. Paul also doth say. But when it pleaseth god to communicate himself first of all unto us, then have we that which surmounteth all the reason of man. For we have a good witness bearar and a faithful: that is to say, Rom. 8. 1. Cor. 11 the holy ghost, which lifteth us up above the world, and leadeth us into the marvelous secrets of god. wherefore we may not without great deliberation speak of the election of god (as to say, that we are predestinated) neither may we (to be well assured of our salvation) search in the air, or at all adventures, whether God accounteth us of the numbered of his or not. What then? 2 Co. 4. we must look unto the gospel which is opened and set before us: for there doth god manifest himself to be our father, and that he hath 2 Cor. 1. sealed us, to lead us to the inheritance of life. And this knowledge is a seal of the holy ghost in our hearts, and a sure testimony of our salvation, so far as we receive him by faith. For the gospel is preached to many, which nevertheless are reprobates: nay god doth utter and declare, that he hath cursed them, that they have no part nor portion in his kingdom, because they do resist the gospel, and Rom. 2. refuse the grace that is offered unto them. But when we receive in obedience of faith the doctrine of god, and rest upon his promises, accepting the offer which he hath made Gala. 4 Ephe. 1. to hold us for his children, this (say I) is a true 2. Pet. 1 certificate of our election. yet have we to note, that when we know this our salvation through this calling, and that god hath illumynated us in the faith of his gospel, it is not to adnichylate the everlasting predestination which went before. For at this day, a man shall see many that will say, who are they whom god hath chosen, saving the faithful? I grant. But like beasts as they are they make an evil consequence: that is to say, that faith should be the cause of our salvation, yea the first cause. It is true in itself, if they call it the mean. For the scripture saith, Act. 15. Ephe. 2. that we be saved through faith: But we must ascend higher. For if they attribute faith to the free will of men, they wickedly blaspheme against god, rob god of his honour, & are in this behalf worse than the papists, as I have already said. Wherefore we must otherwise talk of the matter, 1. Pet. 4. so far as the scripture giveth us leave: that is to say, when god giveth us faith, it lieth not in our power to receive the gospel, but as he disposeth it through his holy spirit. For it sufficeth us not to have our ears beaten at with the voice of a man. It shall be but a sound, which will vanish away with the wind, 1. Cor. 2. except God work inwardly, and speak unto us after a more secret manner through his holy spirit. Note then, that from thence proceedeth the faith. But who is the cause? Why is faith given to one sooner than to an other? Act. 13. S. Luke hath declared, saying, that they which were ordained to salvation, believed the sermon of saint Paul. There were many hearers, and yet but some of them received the promise of salvation. But who were they? Such as were ordained to salvation, saith saint Luke. What needeth longer disputation? And again saint Paul in the first chapter to the Ephesians Ephe. 1. treateth hereof so at length, that the enemies of god's predestination must needs be utterly void of sense, and that the devil hath torn their eyes in sunder, and be without understanding. Yea wholly Gala. 3. bewitched, when they see not more in a matter so evident. For S. Paul saith, that god hath called us, and hath made us partakars of great treasures and infinite richesse obtained for us through our lord jesus Christ. But how? According (saith he) to that that he did choose us before the creation of the world. Sayncte Paul entreating of faith, bringeth us back to his principle, to lead us higher, to lead us to the first cause, and to the fountain of our salvation. This is that free grace, whereof we have so often made mention. When then we say, that we Rom. 8. are called to salvation, and assured thereof, in as much as god hath given us the faith, there is yet a cause higher to be considered, that is, the election eternal. And who so will not ascend thither, derogateth from god his honour seeing he can not discern between man and man, otherwise then by their merits and disposition that he saith in them. Thus must we then knit together the sentences or words, which saint Paul here rehearseth, which is also to be seen throughout the whole holy scripture. Now then to make a brief conclusion: let us take heed what order we ought to observe in searching out for our salvation. We may not begin at this point, as to say, are we elected or not? No, no, Rom. 11. For we shall never ascend nor approach so near the counsel of god, but that we shall be Pro. 25. in danger to be confounded an hundredth thousand times, and to be utterly deprived of all our senses. How shall we then proceed? Hebr. 2. Let us give ear to that which is spoken unto us in the gospel, how that god hath given us the grace to receive the promise which he offereth us, knowing that it standeth us in as much stead, as if he had opened his heart and enrolled our election in our consciences, Note therefore how we must be certified, Rom. 8. that god hath adopted us for his children, and that 1. Pet. 1. the inheritance of the kingdom of heaven is unfeignedly ours: in that (I say) that we be called in jesus christ. How shall we know it? How shall we be stayed upon the doctrine which god layeth before our eyes? We must immediately (for the better magnifyenge of the grace of God) Dan. 9 acknowledge, that we can bring nothing on our part, but so to abase us, without challenging so much as one drop of praise towards ourselves, that we acknowledge 2. Tes. 2 god to have called us now to the gospel, according to that he did Ephe. 1. chose us before the creation of the world. Now true it is, that this election of God is as it were close letters: yea to us, for that it consisteth in itself, and in his own nature. But therein may we read because that god giveth a testimony unto us, Rom. 8. when he calleth us unto himself through the knowledge of the gospel, and through faith. Then have we thereby Deut. 17 a double or copy given us. For like as the original or principal Register derogateth nothing from the copy or instrument which shall be red, but is rather an approbation of the same: and none will search out for the original, when he hath the copy authentic: 2 Pet. 1. Even so must we be assured of our election. For when god certifieth us by his gospel, Rom. 8. that he accounteth us for his children, they are letters authentic, signed Hebr. 9 with the blood of our lord jesus christ, and 2. Cor. 1. sealed with his holy spirit. When we have that, have we not sufficiently wherewith to be contented? Now then as I have said, so far wide is the election of god from contrarying this point, that it rather ratifieth and confirmeth the testimony which we have in the gospel. Not that we have need to look into the original or register of god, as though there were some doubt. We have the instrument which can not fail: what would we more? Rom. 9 Shall it not be over great rashness who will demand more? Who will ascend Rom. 10. up above the clouds, when we have the word in our mouth and in our heart Deu. 30. as Moses saith? True it is, that if we thought the instrument were not taken out of the true Register & original, then might a man call it in question or doubt. But when the thing is plain and certain, what would we more? So fareth it with us, that we need no more to doubt, but that Luc. 10. god hath enrolled us in the numbered of his elect and children Ephe. 1. before the creation of the world. Colo. 1. But he kept the matter secret unto himself: Yet have we in the mean time letters patents of our salvation. 2. Pet. 1. We have an instrument sure enough as I have declared already. But yet must we always Mat. 13. resort to our lord jesus christ, when there is question of our election. For Io. 10.14. without him (as I have showed) we can not approach near unto god. And again, when we shall speak of his decree, we shall be astonied as coulpable of death. But having jesus christ for our guide, Ro.. 5.8. we may boldly rejoice, knowing how that he hath Heb. 3. Ap. 4.5. dignity and worthiness enough in himself, to make all his members acceptable to god his father. It sufficeth, that we be Ephe. 4 graffed in his body, and united unto him. Now see ye, how we ought to meditate this doctrine, if we list to do therewith our profit, according to that which is here declared unto us by saint Paul, 2. Tim. 1 Who saith, that this grace was given us. And how before all times saith he. We must ascend above the course of nature, when we will go about to know how we be saved, and for what cause, and whence it should proceed. And farther we must understand, that god would not leave us in suspense Mat. 11. joh. 17. nor yet would he hide his counsel from us, to bring us in doubt of our salvation. But he hath Ephe. 1. called us to himself: not only by preaching of the gospel, (for that had not been sufficient) but 2. Cor. 1. he sealed in our hearts the testimony of his goodness and fatherly love. So then when we have such a certainty, let us first of all Rom. 15. glorify god, for that he hath called us through his free mercy. And farther we must stay ourselves upon our lord jesus christ, acknowledging, that he deceived us not of our expectation, when he caused to be published, that he Gala. 1. gave himself to us, testyfienge also the same unto us Rom. ●. by the holy ghost. For faith is to us (as I have already said) an infallible mark, that 1. joh. 3. god reckoneth us for his children, being conducted thence to the eternal election. And wherefore? God hath called us (saith saint Paul in the first chapter to the Ephesians) Ephe. 1. according to that he forechose us He saith not that god chose us because we hard the gospel: but contrary wise he giveth faith, which for this special cause is given us, to declare, that Rom 5. God reserved us to save us when we were lost and cast away in Adam. Farther we have to note, that saint Paul speaketh not here of others then the faithful. But some block heads there be, which to blind the eyes of the ignorant and such as they are, will here cavil, that the grace of salvation was given us, because god had ordained, that his son should be the redeemer of mankind, and that the same was comen and indifferent unto al. But saint Paul hath so uttered his speech, that his doctrine can not with such childish gloss be corrupted. For notably 2. Tim. 1 Tit. 3. he said before, that god hath saved us. Is that referred indifferently to all without exception? 1. Ti. 4. No, no: he speaketh but of the faithful. Cawled he all the world? Some Ma. 22. Luc. 14. were called by the preaching, but yet they showed themselves unworthy of that salvation which was offered them and therefore were reproved. Rom. 1. Others some god left in their incredulity, who never heard so much as one word of the gospel preached. So then saint Paul doth specially address himself to them whom god had chosen and reserved to himself. And therefore let us hold this principle, that the goodness of god shall never be perfectly and worthily honoured as it deserveth, except we know that Act 17. Gala. 1. god would us not to abide & remain in the comen destruction of the world, wherein he hath left them which were like unto us, and from whom we differed in nothing, Ephe. 2. being of nature no better than they were: But Luc. 12. such was his good will and pleasure. Wherefore Rom. 3 let all men stop their mouths hereat, and no man presume to attribute any thing to himself: giving in the mean time god the praise with open mouth, Dani. 9 confessing, that to him we own all that concerneth our salvation. This is the sum of all that which we have to retain and keep in memory. But in the mean while, let us note well the other words which S. Paul useth here. True it is, that in effect he understandeth the same that we have already declared, that the election of God should not profit us nor come unto us, except we had known it, which by means of the gospel is made known unto us. For this cause Mat. 11. would god have that manifested unto us, Colo. 1. which he kept as it were secret to himself before all times. But (for the better expressing of his mind) he enterlaceth as it were by the way, to declare, that Tit. 2. this grace was now revealed unto us. And how? In the appearing of our Lord jesus christ. He showeth, that we shall be to far unkind, unless that herewith we can be contented and at rest. When the son of God Ephe. 5. Gala, 1. giveth himself unto us, what can we desire more? Though we could mount up above the clouds, and could enter into the most deep secrets of god, what shall be the end thereof? Is it not to know, that we are his children and heirs? That now is sufficiently manifested and declared in christ jesus, for it is said, that joh. 1. all they which believe in him, shall enjoy this privilege, to be made the children of God. We may not therefore decline (the least thing that can be) from jesus christ, if we will be full certified of our election. True it is, that saint Paul hath already declared, that we were never beloved nor choose of god, Ephe. 1. Colo, 1. except in the person of jesus christ his only son. But he now maketh a more ample declaration, when he saith, that jesus christ after he appeared, hath 1. joh. 1. opened unto us the life which otherwise should have been unknown to us. He hath presented us the grace of god, Ephe. 2. from the which we were otherwise far of. He hath made us so familiar with god, that we know what is his everlasting counsel, without Eccle. 3. Rom. 12. searching above our reach, that which is not lawful for us to inquire of. For when god will instruct us by his own proper mouth, we may not presume to wade so far as they which walk not under obedience: For it is a presumption to seek to know more than god will permit. But 1. Pe. when we walk soberly and with reverence under the obedience of our God, giving audience & receive that which he uttereth in holy scripture, as I have already said, Psal. 25. the way shall be made meet for us to wade through withal. Mark then saint Paul which saith, that the son of God, 2. Tim. 1. by his appearance in the world, opened our eyes, to the end we should know the grace Mat. 25. prepared for us before the beginning of the world: As to be received for children of God, to be made acceptable unto him, and Ephe. 1. 2. Cor. 5. to be accounted as just, in such wise, that we need not to doubt, the ●. Pet. 1. inheritance is made ready for us in the kingdom of heaven. 〈◊〉. 11. 〈◊〉. 2. Not that we have it for any merits of ours, but for that jesus christ had the right title, whereof he hath made us participant. And where as it is here spoken of the appearing of jesus Christ, 1. Cor. ● we must refer that to the gospel, because sayncte Paul concludeth herewith that through the gospel he brought life and immortality to light. For how appeared jesus christ unto us? As he appeareth every day. But yet saint Paul would not darken those things that the scripture setteth forth for the assurance of our salvation which is laid up in jesus Christ. It is not said in one word, that jesus christ is our saviour, that he was sent as the lieutenant of god his father. No? no? It is said, that he was sent as the Rom. 3. Hebr. 9 mediator, which hath reconciled us by the sacrifice of his death: He was sent us, 1. Pet. 1. as the lamb without spot, to purge and make satisfaction for all our debts: He is our pledge, to deliver us Rom. 5. from the condemnation of death, wherein we were: He is 1. Io. 2. our justice, our advocate, which maketh intercession in our name: joh. 14. which will bring to pass, that our prayers shall be heard of god: which is the band of concord between god and us: which hath obtained for us, that which appertained not unto us by nature. For all these qualities must we attribute to jesus christ, if we will effectually know how he appeared. For if we should but simply take the gospel, and not have regard to the substance therein contained: that were enough to overthrow all, and in effect, we should make of jesus christ but as it were a shadow. For if we say, that jesus christ hath appeared to be our saviour, without mention making of that which he suffered for our salvation, and declare not how we have been Rom. 5. reconciled into the favour of god his father through and by his means: that we Heb. 9 have been cleansed from our filthiness and spots: that we have been redeemed Colo. 2. from the obligation of everlasting death. If we have not that with all, what availeth it? If we know not Heb. 7.9. that jesus christ is our advocate, and that he carrieth our prayers when we pray to god, to th'end we should not be repulsed, what shall become of us? What trust were there to call upon the name of god, which is Pro. 18. the fortress of salvation, as the scripture saith? Let us note well then, that saint Paul saith that jesus christ hath Hebr. 9 appeared, that he meaneth chief, that he hath accomplished all things that were requisite for the redemption of mankind. But by the way he setteth forth the 1. Cor. 15. virtue of this brightness which hath appeared unto us in his resurrection: to th'end we should be partakers of so great a benefit, and so to enjoy the same. Now if the gospel were taken away, what could the bitter death which the son of God suffered, and his rising again on the third day, avail us? All should be unprofitable unto us. 1. Co. 4.15 Ephe. 3. The gospel than putteth us in possession of those richesse, which jesus christ hath obtained and procured for us. Again, Colo. 3. though he be now absent in body, and is not here in this earth conversant with us, let us think our state therefore never a whit the worse. For Mat. 28 he hath not so withdrawn himself that we should seek him, and not find him. For the Son which shineth, doth not so clearly give light to the world, as Io. 14. jesus christ doth manifestly show himself to them which have the eyes of faith to behold him, when the gospel is preached. And that is the reason wherefore saint Paul (besides this word appearing) saith, that jesus hath brought to light that life, yea the life everlasting. But to the end we may find in the very words of saint Paul, all that I have said, let us mark well and follow that which is contained in this place of scripture. He saith, that the son of god hath Heb. 2. destroyed death: but how destroyed he it? If he had not offered the everlasting sacrifice for the Rom. 5. appeasing of gods wrath: If he had not descended Eph. 4. down to the lowest place, to draw us out from thence: If he had not taken Gala. 3. our curse upon him for the discharging of us, and had not taken away Act. 15. the burden under the which we began to sink. What had it been? Should death have been destroyed? No: death had had the dominion over us, death had reigned immediately over us. And truly if every one of us would enter into himself, we shall find, that Ebre. 2. we are of nature the slaves of Satan, who is the prince of death. Thus had we been shut up in this miserable bondage, except Ose. 13. that god had destroyed the devil, sin, and death. And that is done: But how? In that that through the blood of our lord jesus christ, Colo. 2. he hath blotted out all our spots. Now though we be poor sinners, and in danger of the judgement of god, yet can Rom. 8. not sin hurt us: because the sting where the poison lay, is so thrust away, 1. Cor. 15. that it can not prick us, for now hath christ the victory: for he suffered not in vain, the shedding of his blood fell not on the earth, nor at all adventures: but it hath been a lavatory wherewith we have been sprikeled by the holy ghost, as saint Peter hath declared. 1. Pet. 1. So then we see well, that saint Paul entreating of the gospel, wherein jesus christ hath appeared, and daily doth appear unto us putteth not in forgetfulness his death and passion, nor any thing else appertaining to the salvation of mankind. We must therefore note these two things: that is, that in the person of jesus christ Rom. 8. we have (all the sort of us) that which we can desire. We have a full & an assured trust of the goodness of god, and of the love which he bore unto us: And how? See we not, how our Isa. 59 sins have separated us from god, and that they are the cause of continual war and enmity? But Rom 3 we have the atonement in our lord jesus christ: for Heb. 9 he hath shed his blood to wash us from all our filthiness. He hath offered a sacrifice, by the which God is at one with us: Psa. 68 He hath paid all our debts: To be short, he hath Gala. 3. adnychylated the curse, to the end we should be blessed of god. And farther, he hath Heb. 2. vanquysed death, and triumphed over her, to the end we might be delivered from the tyranny which was in readiness, wholly to swallow us up: he hath strength to surmount all. By this than we see all the things which appertain to our salvation, to have been Colo. 2. accomplished in our jesus christ, and that there through we enter into the possession of all his goods. Let us note, that daily he appeareth unto us through his gospel. True it is, that Phil. 2. he dwelleth in his heavenly glory: we shall not see him here in this earth visibly, but Mat. 28 yet will he not be far of from us, neither need we make long compases to seek him. Let us open the eyes of faith, and we shall see him manifesting himself unto us. Thus have we learned out of the text of saint Paul, all that which I have touched. And therefore let us learn, not to separate that which the holy ghost hath conjoined. Furthermore let us note, that saint Paul here by the way of comparison, would amplify the grace which God hath showed to the world sithence the coming of our lord jesus christ. As though he would say, that Luke. 10 the ancient fathers had not this advantage, for that jesus christ appeared not unto them as unto us. True it is, 1. Co. 10. they had the same faith, and the inheritance of heaven was comen to them as unto us, in that god revealed unto them his grace, as well as unto us, but not in such measure. For Heb. 11. they saw christ afar of, and as it were in a shadow, as saint Paul saith, under the figures of the law. There was the vail of the temple, which was so stretched forth that 2. Cor. 3. the jews could not approach to the material saynctuarye. But now that the vail of the temple is broken, we may approach to the majesty of our god We come unto heaven with full privilege, and then immediately we have the lively image of god, wherein dwelleth all the perfection of glory. To be short: Colo. 2. we have the body, where as the fathers had but the shadow only, as saint Paul speaketh to the Colossians. Now than we are thereby warned, that if the fathers of old had such constancy and invincible zeal, to Heb. 11. endure and abide in the afflictions of the son of god, being as yet not revealed to the world as at this day, shall we not be of to faint a courage, if we be not inflamed with a more fervent zeal? The ancient fathers did fully resolve themselves, to bear the afflictions of jesus christ, as it is said in the eleventh chapter to the Hebrews. For it is not said, that Moses bore the rebuke of Abraham his father, but of jesus christ. Note then that the ancient fathers, although 1. Co. 10. they lived under the dark shadows of the law, yet presented they themselves unto god in sacrifice, to Heb. 11. endure with much patience the afflictions of Christ. But now 1. Co. 15 that christ is risen again from the dead, and hath made open this life unto us what shall be said of us, if we be so delicate, that we can not bear the afflictions of the gospel? Are we not worthy to be razed out of the Register of god, and not to be avowed of him. And therefore let us look unto it: for Heb. 12. we ought to be so encouraged with such constancy of faith, as to endure for the name of jesus christ, what so ever pleaseth god to lay upon us, seeing that life is made manifest before our eyes, and that we have a Luk. 10. better and more familiar knowledge thereof, then had the ancient fathers. Whereof the Apostle in his epistle to the hebrews speaketh, Heb. 11. where we read that the ancient fathers never shrunk, but had such a marvelous constancy, that the hearing thereof were enough to astonyshe us. For we know how they were tormented by tyrants and enemies of the truth, and yet constantly suffered the same. The state of the church is at this present day no harder, nor more troublesome, than it was then. And saying it so is, shall we make it more strange, to follow after christ jesus, who hath showed us the way? But to the end we be not to fearful nor over cold, let us mark well how 2. Tim. 1 he saith, that jesus christ hath made manifest the life and immortality through the gospel, for that that as often as the grace of god is preached unto us, it is as much as if the kingdom of heaven were opened unto us, as if god stretched forth his hand and certified us, that the life is at hand, and that he will participate unto us of his heavenly in heritance. For that is spoken unto us, to the end that until we have seen jesus christ lifting us up with him, and bringing us unto a life certain, we should content ourselves with this present life. We would gladly remain here in this world, Hebr. 9 but by force must we be drawn hence. But when we shall behold the life which our lord jesus christ hath obtained for us, we Phil. 3. shall set but little by all that might retain us here, considering we have to ascend up to heaven. So then let us not be willingly blind, when jesus christ setteth daily before our eyes the life and immortality, which we have spoken of. But let us note well, that when saint Paul speaketh of the life, and addeth the word immortality, that it betokeneth as much, as if he said: We entre even now into the kingdom of god thorough faith. For though we be as 1. Pet. 2 strangers here in this earth, and that it seemeth there is but death and malediction in us, yet will the life and grace, whereof we are made partakers through our lord jesus Christ, bring forth his fruit in his convenient time: that is to say, when he shall be Mat. 25 sent again of god his Father, to show us the effect of such things as are daily preached unto us, and which have been accomplished in his person, when he was clothed with our nature. Now to end, let us psal. 95 prostrate ourselves before the face of our good God, acknowledging our faults, desiring him that it would please him, so to cause us Mat. 5. feel our poverties, that we never be so presumptuous, as Dan. 9 to attribute any glory unto ourselves: but that we Gen. 18. acknowledge ourselves, to be stinking and detestable in our nature before him, to the end we may search the whole cause of our salvation in his purpose and in that counsel which hath been revealed, through the Colo. 1. knowledge of the grace by him obtained, when he called us to his gospel: And that also he would vouchsafe to grant us this benefit, that we may address ourselves to our lord jesus christ, and wholly to stay and rest ourselves upon him and the redemption which he purchased for us: to the end we may be avowed for the children of god, to be made partakers of the inheritance of life, after we have fought in this world. And for as much as it pleaseth him, that we should be assaulted of Satan and of so many enemies, as well domestical as strangers, 1. Co. 10. Eph. 6. That he would give us power to withstand their assaults: so as we be never left of him until we have ended our course. And that we be come to that rest, unto the which we are daily conducted. And that this Grace be not only showed unto us, but to all people and nations of the earth. etc. ❧ Imprinted at London by William Séres dwelling at the west end of Paul's church at the sign of the hedgehog. Cum privilegio ad imprimendum solum.