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.

— John Calvin

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.

— John Calvin

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 embrace them.

— John Calvin

Were the judgments of mankind correct, custom would be regulated by the good. But it is often far otherwise in point of fact; for, whatever the many are seen to do, forthwith obtains the force of custom. But human affairs have scarcely ever been so happily constituted as that the better course pleased the greater number. Hence, the private vices of the multitude have generally resulted in public error, or rather that common consent in vice which these worthy men would have to be law.

— John Calvin

We shall never arrive at true meekness by any other way than by humiliating ourselves and by honoring others from the depth of our hearts.

— John Calvin

We should ask God to increase our hope when it is small, awaken it when it is dormant, confirm it when it is wavering, strengthen it when it is weak, and raise it up when it is overthrown.

— John Calvin

We should consider that the brightness of the Divine countenance, which even an apostle declares to be inaccessible, (1Ti 6: 16) is a kind of labyrinth — a labyrinth to us inextricable, if the Word do not serve us as a thread to guide our path; and that it is better to limp in the way, than run with the greatest swiftness out of it.

— John Calvin

We unlearn the art of speaking well when we cease to speak with God.

— John Calvin

When God descends to us he, in a certain sense, abases himself and stammers with us, so He allows us to stammer with Him

— John Calvin

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

— John Calvin