Institutes of the Christian Religion, 2 Vols

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.

call 'piety'that reverence joined with love of God which the knowledge of his benefits induces. For until men recognize that they owe everything to God, that they are nourished by his fatherly care, that he is the Author…

When the same qualities which we admire in ourselves are seen in others, even though they be superior, maliciously lower and carp at them.

The Must be worthless by our estimation or keep us enslaved by an intemperate love of it.

Now, in order that true religion may shine upon us, we ought to hold that it must take its beginning from heavenly doctrine and that no one can get even the slightest taste of right and sound doctrine unless he be a pupi…

Secondly, [man] should weigh his abilities-or rather lack of abilities.

For this we must believe: that the mind is never seriously aroused to desire and ponder the life to come unless it be previously imbued with contempt for the present life. Indeed, there is no middle ground between these…

Men in prayer give greater license to their unlawful desires than if they were telling jocular tales among their equals.

Prayers will never reach God unless they are founded on free mercy.

He regards it as the highest insult for the wicked to boast of His covenant while profaning His sacred Name by their whole lives.

There is no inconsistency when God raises up those who have fallen prostrate.

Therefore, in reading profane authors, the admirable light of truth displayed in them should remind us, that the human mind, however much fallen and perverted from its original integrity, is still adorned and invested wi…

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.

Doctrine is not an affair of the tongue but of the life.

Prayer unaccompanied by perseverance leads to no result.

He who has learned to look to God in everything he does is at the same time diverted from all vain thoughts.

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.

He who neglects to pray alone and in private, however assiduously he frequents public meetings, there gives his prayers to the wind.

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 embr…