If all are born and live for the express purpose of learning to know God, and if the knowledge of God, in so far as it fails to produce this effect, … - John Calvin

Where there is so much division and separation as we now see, it is indeed no easy matter to still the troubled waters, and bring about composure. You will say he has a vehement disposition and ungovernable impetuosity; as if that very vehemence did not break forth with all the greater violence when all show themselves alike indulgent to him, and allow him to have his way unquestioned. If this specimen of overbearing tyranny has sprung forth already, as the early blossom in the springtide of a reviving Church, what must we expect in a short time, when affairs have fallen into a far worse condition?

We should forever keep in mind that we must not brood on the wickedness of man, but realize that he is God’s image bearer.

There is no golden mean between these two extremes; either this early life must become low in our estimation, or it will have our inordinate love.