[ksen]

BOOK 1:
Chapter 1 - THE KNOWLEDGE OF GOD AND OF OURSELVES MUTUALLY CONNECTED. - NATURE OF THIS CONNECTION.
Chapter 2 - WHAT IT IS TO KNOW GOD,--TENDENCY OF THIS KNOWLEDGE.
Chapter 3 - THE KNOWLEDGE OF GOD HAS BEEN NATURALLY IMPLANTED IN THE HUMAN MIND.
Chapter 4 - THE KNOWLEDGE OF GOD STIFLED OR CORRUPTED, IGNORANTLY OR MALICIOUSLY.

[ksen]

Here you go, this should keep you busy for a while. ;^)

[rwfromkansas]

bump

[ksen]

Whether they will or not, they cannot but know that these are proofs of his Godhead, and yet they inwardly suppress them. They have no occasion to go farther than themselves, provided they do not, by appropriating as their own that which has been given them from heaven, put out the light intended to exhibit God clearly to their minds.

I think Calvin is very contradictory. He likes to expound on God's Sovereignty, at least Calvin's followers here do, and then Calvin says here that Man's nature is enough to overcome what God intends.

I thought that whatever God intended came to pass. Isn't that what it means for God to be Sovereign?

[ksen]

...Nor must this be restricted to one people only, since, in another place, he declares in general, that all men "became vain in their imaginations,"(Rom. 1:21)....

That's not what Paul said. Paul didn't say that ALL MEN become "vain in their imaginations." He says that those who hold "the truth in unrighteousness" (Ro 1:18) have become "vain in their own imaginations." (Ro 1:20).

[ksen]

In vain for us, therefore, does Creation exhibit so many bright lamps lighted up to show forth the glory of its Author. Though they beam upon us from every quarter, they are altogether insufficient of themselves to lead us into the right path.

What does God do that is ever insufficient? How is it that everything else God does or desires is done effectually, but when He places witnesses for Himself in Creation intended to bring Men to the knowledge of Himself, it is insufficient?

[ksen]

But though we are deficient in natural powers which might enable us to rise to a pure and clear knowledge of God, still, as the dullness which prevents us is within, there is no room for excuse.

So if I saw a deaf and blind man heading toward the edge of a cliff and I yelled and shouted and gestured to warn him away it would still be his own fault when he fell over the edge to his death?

[ksen]

I'll get chapter 6 up sometime later today or tonight....