John Calvin quotes - page 4

Let the first rule of right prayer then be, to have our heart and mind framed as becomes those who are entering into converse with God. This we shall accomplish in regard to the mind, if, laying aside carnal thoughts and cares which might interfere with the direct and pure contemplation of God, it not only be wholly intent on prayer, but also, as far as possible, be borne and raised above itself. ... When I say it must be raised above itself, I mean that it must not bring into the presence of God any of those things which our blind and stupid reason is wont to devise, nor keep itself confined within the little measure of its own vanity, but rise to a purity worthy of God. (John Calvin)
We should ask God to increase our hope when it is small, awaken it when it is dormant, confirm it when it is wavering, strengthen it when it is weak, and raise it up when it is overthrown. View quote
John Calvin
All the blessings we enjoy are Divine deposits, committed to our trust on this condition, that they should be dispensed for the benefit of our neighbors. View quote
John Calvin
If we cover and obliterate man's faults and consider the beauty and dignity of God's image in him, then we shall be induced to love and embrace him (Heb 12:16; Gal 6:10; Isa 58:7; Matt 5:44; Luke 17:3-4) View quote
John Calvin
Let us not cease to do the utmost, that we may incessantly go forward in the way of the Lord; and let us not despair of the smallness of our accomplishments. Though we fall short, our labour is not lost if this day surpasses the preceding one. View quote
John Calvin
All the arts come from God and are to be respected as divine inventions. View quote
John Calvin
Those who set up a fictitious worship, merely worship and adore their own delirious fancies; indeed, they would never dare so to trifle with God, had they not previously fashioned him after their own childish conceits. View quote
John Calvin
In forming an estimate of sins, we are often imposed upon by imagining that the more hidden the less heinous they are. View quote
John Calvin
It is certain that no man can embrace the grace of the Gospel without retaking himself from the errors of his former life into the right path, and making it his whole study to practice repentance. View quote
John Calvin
No religion is genuine unless it be joined with truth. View quote
John Calvin
For in the cross of Christ, as in a splendid theatre, the incomparable goodness of God is set before the whole world. (John Calvin)
There is no knowing that does not begin with knowing God. View quote
John Calvin
Without the fear of God, men do not even observe justice and charity among themselves. View quote
John Calvin
True wisdom consists in two things: Knowledge of God and Knowledge of Self. View quote
John Calvin
A dog barks and stands at bay if he sees any one assault his master. I should be indeed remiss, if, seeing the truth of God thus attacked, I should remain dumb, without giving one note of warning. View quote
John Calvin
It is better to limp in the way, than run with the greatest swiftness out of it. View quote
John Calvin
If it seems more horrible to kill a man in his own house, then in a field,... it ought surely to be deemed more atrocious to destroy a fetus in the womb before it has come to light. View quote
John Calvin
The gospel is not a doctrine of the tongue, but of life. It cannot be grasped by reason and memory only, but it is fully understood when it possesses the whole soul and penetrates to the inner recesses of the heart. View quote
John Calvin
It would be the height of absurdity to label ignorance tempered by humility "faith"! (Institutio III.2.3) View quote
John Calvin
The pastor ought to have two voices: one, for gathering the sheep; and another, for warding off and driving away wolves and thieves. The Scripture supplies him with the means of doing both. View quote
John Calvin
A perfect faith is nowhere to be found, so it follows that all of us are partly unbelievers. (John Calvin)
men are undoubtedly more in danger from prosperity than from adversity. for when matters go smoothly, they flatter themselves, and are intoxicated by their success. View quote
John Calvin
... a man will be justified by faith when, excluded from righteousness of works, he by faith lays hold of the righteousness of Christ, and clothed in it, appears in the sight of God not as a sinner, but as righteous... View quote
John Calvin
The proper course, therefore, is, in the first instance, to ascertain and examine the doctrine which is said by the Evangelist to precede; then after it has been proved, but not till then, it may receive confirmation from miracles. But the mark of sound doctrine given by our Saviour himself is its tendency to promote the glory not of men, but of God (John 7:18; 8:50). Our Saviour having declared this to be test of doctrine, we are in error if we regard as miraculous, works which are used for any other purpose than to magnify the name of God. View quote
John Calvin
Becoming more callous and hardened when God thunders verbally from heaven, they obstinately persist in their rebellion. It is only when actually smitten by his hand that they are forced, whether they will or not, to fear. This fear the sacred writers term servile, and oppose to the free and voluntary fear which becomes sons. View quote
John Calvin