"I do not yet allude to the peculiar covenant which distinguished the descendants of Abraham from the rest of the nations. For in receiving, by gratuitous adoption, those who were his enemies into the number of his children, God even then manifested himself as a Redeemer, but we are still treating of that knowledge which relates to creation of the world, without ascending to Christ the Mediator. But though it will be useful to cite some passages from the New Testament, (since that also demonstrates the power of God in the creation, and his providence in the conservation of the world,) yet I wish the reader to be apprized of the point now intended to be discussed, that he may not pass the limits which the subject prescribes. At present, then, let it suffice to understand how God, the former of heaven and earth, governs the world which he hath made. Both his parental goodness, and the beneficent inclinations of his will, are every where celebrated; and examples are given of his severity, which discover him to be the righteous punisher of iniquities, especially where his forbearance produces no salutary effects upon the obstinate." - John Calvin, I. X. I.
In one sense I read this and it seems to speak against the conclusion of common grace in Calvin. Especially when in Book 1 he is speaking about the general knowledge of God and how we derive such knowledge.
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