"Moreover, a true Christian will not ascribe any prosperity to his own diligence, industry, or good fortune, but he will acknowledge that God is the author of it." John Calvin, Golden Booklet of the True Christian Life. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books, 1952/2004, page 43.
Tag: John Calvin
Quote of Note #67 — “Prefer Others to Ourselves”
"When Scripture commands us to conduct ourselves in such a manner toward men, as 'in honor to prefer others to ourselves,' and faithfully to devote our whole attention to the promotion of their advantage, it gives such commands as heart can by no means receive without being first cured of our sinful nature." John Calvin, … Continue reading Quote of Note #67 — “Prefer Others to Ourselves”
Quote of Note #61 — Generosity and Compassion
"There are people who are known to be very liberal [generous], yet they never give without scolding or pride or even insolence. We are sunk to such a depth of calamity in this awful age that scarcely any alms are given, at least by the majority of men, without haughtiness and contempt. The corruption of … Continue reading Quote of Note #61 — Generosity and Compassion
Bible Note #36 — Obeying God — Numbers 9:15-23
Numbers 9:15-23 Here we have one of the classic summary passages describing how God led the Israelites through the wilderness. There is a certain drama in the process, because the means of God’s leading was grand and very public. There was no indication that discerning God’s leading in this process was at all difficult. The … Continue reading Bible Note #36 — Obeying God — Numbers 9:15-23
Quote of Note #42: Passing on God’s Generosity
"Scripture urges and warns us that whatever favors we may have received from the Lord, we have received them as a trust on condition that they should be applied to the common benefit of the church. The legitimate use of the Lord's favors is liberally and kindly to share them with others. You cannot imagine … Continue reading Quote of Note #42: Passing on God’s Generosity
Quote of Note #24: Showing Respect to All
"We should never insult others on account of their faults, for it is our duty to show charity and respect to everyone. If we pay attention to the honor and reputation of others, whoever they may be, we shall conduct ourselves not only with moderation and good humor, but with politeness and friendship." John Calvin, … Continue reading Quote of Note #24: Showing Respect to All
Quote of Note #23: Happiness
"To live happily the evils of false ambition and self-love must be plucked from our hearts by the roots." John Calvin, The Golden Booklet of the True Christian Life. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books, 1952/2005, page 33.
Quote of Note #19: Gracious Help to those in Need
"If anyone . . . appears before you who is in need of your kind services, you have no reason to refuse him your help. Suppose he is a stranger; yet the Lord has pressed his own stamp on him and made him as one of your family, and he forbids you to despise your … Continue reading Quote of Note #19: Gracious Help to those in Need
Quotes of Note #7 — Reason
"Oh, how greatly has the man advanced who has learned not to be his own, not to be governed by his own reason, but to surrender his mind to God." John Calvin, Golden Booklet of the True Christian Life. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books, 1952/2004, page 26.
Quotes of Note #4 — The Devil
"Meanwhile, the devil also does his work, endeavoring to ruin sound doctrine by indirect means, working as it were underground, forasmuch as he could not openly attain his end." John Calvin, Letters of John Calvin: Selected from the Bonnet Edition. Edinburgh: Banner of Truth Trust, 1980, p. 90.