Inclined to Mildness and Mercy

We’re in Chapter 17 of Book 1 in our Blogging the (John Calvin) Institutes journey this week–and I have already been tremendously blessed.

I appreciate the many detailed explanations and biblical examples of how all things are divinely ordained by God; the providence of God is to be considered with reference to both the past and the future; God takes care of the whole human race, but is especially vigilant in governing the church, etc.

I must admit that “my carnal sense murmured” when he discussed when “calamity takes precedence even of birth”–but we must “use modesty, not as it were compelling God to render an account, but so revering his hidden judgments as to account his will the best of all reasons.”

(We still miss the child we lost in 2007 so very much. And I honestly still can’t go a day without wondering if the child I am currently carrying is even alive, or has any chance of “really” joining us this July.)

Still … section eight of this same chapter was so honest about the true evil of some “secondary causes” and so rich with gospel truth that even I slept quite soundly last night:

– All men are under God’s power; this knowledge is necessarily followed by gratitude in prosperity, patience in adversity, and incredibly security for the time to come

– If any thing adverse befalls him, he will forthwith raise his mind to God, whose hand is most effectual in impressing us with patience and placid moderation of mind. Had Joseph kept his thoughts fixed on the treachery of his brethren, he never could have resumed fraternal affection for them. But turning toward the Lord, he forgot the injury, and was so inclined to mildness and mercy.

– If there is no more effectual remedy for anger and impatience, he assuredly has not made little progress who has learned so to meditate on divine providence, as to be able always to bring his mind to this, The Lord willed it, it must therefore be borne; not only because it is unlawful to strive with him, but because he wills nothing that is not just and befitting.

– Let us remember to ascend to God.

Praying that we are all remembering to ascend to God!

And sending you my love–

Yours,
Tara B.