Friday, November 26, 2010

Calvin on physics and the natural sciences.

Book II. Chapter II Section 16. (p. 236) of the Calvin's Institutes.

But if the Lord has been pleased to assist us by the work and ministry of the ungody in physics, dialectics, mathematics, and other similar sciences, let us avail ourselves of it, lest, by neglecting the gifts of God spontaneously offered to us, we be justly punished for our sloth. Lest any one, however, should imagine a man to be very happy merely because, with reference to the elements of this world, he has been endued with great talents for the investigation of truth, we ought to add, that the whole power of intellect thus bestowed is, in the sight of God, fleeting and vain whenever it is not based on a solid foundation of truth.