The world was no doubt made, that it might be a theatre of the divine glory.

If we are given gold, would we not test it to determine it's value? If we doubted its genuineness - we would test it by fire...and so God with us.

But we have nothing of the Spirit except through regeneration. Everything, therefore, which we have from nature is flesh.

Rejoicing refers to moderation of spirit when the mind keeps itself in calmness under adversity and does not give indulgence to grief. Constant praying is the way of 'rejoicing perpetually', for by this means we ask from God alleviation in connection with all our distresses.

No one will calmly and quietly submit to bear the cross except those who have learned to seek their happiness beyond this world.

Whether each of the faithful has a particular angel assigned him for his defence, I cannot venture certainly to affirm... not one angel only has the care of every one of us, but that they all with one consent watch for our salvation.

It would be the height of absurdity to label ignorance tempered by humility "faith"! (Institutio III.2.3)