John Calvin, Institutes of the Christian Religion, 2 Vols
21 quotes
"I was always exceedingly delighted with that saying of Chrysostom, "The foundation of our philosophy is humility"; and yet more pleased with that of Augustine: "As the orator, when asked, What is the first precept in eloquence? answered, Delivery: What is the second? Delivery: What is the third? Delivery: so if you ask me concerning the precepts of the Christian religion, I will answer, first, second, and third, Humility."
"It is now clear that faith is a singular pledge of paternal love, treasured up for the sons whom he has adopted."
"He who has learned to look to God in everything he does is at the same time diverted from all vain thoughts."
"The salvation of all the elect is not less certain than the power of God is invincible."
"When God descends to us he, in a certain sense, abases himself and stammers with us, so He allows us to stammer with Him"
"He who neglects to pray alone and in private, however assiduously he frequents public meetings, there gives his prayers to the wind."
"Prayer unaccompanied by perseverance leads to no result."
"He regards it as the highest insult for the wicked to boast of His covenant while profaning His sacred Name by their whole lives."
"Men in prayer give greater license to their unlawful desires than if they were telling jocular tales among their equals."
"For the Word of God is not received by faith if it flits about in the top of the brain, but when it takes root in the depth of the heart . . . the heart's distrust is greater than the mind's blindness. It is harder for the heart to be furnished with assurance [of God's love] than for the mind to be endowed with thought."
"We are not to reflect on the wickedness of men but to look to the image of God in them, an image which, covering and obliterating their faults, an image which, by its beauty and dignity, should allure us to love and embrace them."
"Without knowledge of self there is no knowledge of God. Nearly all the wisdom we possess, that is to say, true sound wisdom consists of two parts: the knowledge of God and of ourselves."
"There is no inconsistency when God raises up those who have fallen prostrate."
"We are enjoined whenever we behold the gifts of God in others so to reverence and respect the gifts as also to honor those in whom they reside."
"Our true wisdom is to embrace with meek docility, and without reservation, whatever the holy scriptures have delivered."
"We should consider that the brightness of the Divine countenance, which even an apostle declares to be inaccessible, (1Ti 6: 16) is a kind of labyrinth — a labyrinth to us inextricable, if the Word do not serve us as a thread to guide our path; and that it is better to limp in the way, than run with the greatest swiftness out of it."
"The Must be worthless by our estimation or keep us enslaved by an intemperate love of it."
"The cross of Christ only triumphs in the breast of believers over the devil and the flesh, sin and sinners, when their eyes are directed to the power of His Resurrection."
"Prayers will never reach God unless they are founded on free mercy."
"When the same qualities which we admire in ourselves are seen in others, even though they be superior, maliciously lower and carp at them."
"We are not to look to what men in themselves deserve but to attend to the image of God which exists in all and to which we owe all honor and love."