Chapter 14 - Angels + More

For the considerable effort that John Calvin put into chapter 13 with it's complexity of thought, chapter 14, of book 1 of the institutes, is a relaxed dialog on creation. A fairly large portion of this chapter is devoted to angels and John Calvin's thoughts, perspectives and analysis of scripture makes this study current, interesting and actuallly exciting; though the context always comes back to the fact that it's God's creation and God's plan for mankind which is unfolding over time. I like this one statement which John Calvin makes: " ... as often as we call God the Creator of heaven and earth, let us remember that the distribution of all the things which he created are in his hand and power, but that we are his sons, whom he has undertaken to nourish and bring up in allegiance to him, that we may expect the substance of all good from him alone, and have full hope that he will never suffer us to be in want of things necessary to salvation, so as to leave us dependent on some other source; that in everything we desire we may address our prayers to him, and, in every benefit we receive, acknowledge his hand, and give him thanks; that thus allured by his great goodness and beneficence, we may study with our whole heart to love and serve him." Pretty good, and the part on angels is worth reading. Joy, love and peace.