godliness;
that is, when we believe, then we attain this much, that God gives us
the fullness of His power, which is so with and in us, that what we
speak and work, it is not we that do it, but God Himself does it. He
is strong, powerful, and almighty in us, though we even suffer and
die, and are weak in the eyes of the world. So that there is no power
nor ability in us if we have not this power of God.

But this power of God which is in us, St. Peter would not have so
explained, as that we might make heaven and earth, and should work
such miracles as God does; for how would we be advantaged by it? But
we have the power of God within us so far as it is useful and
necessary to us. Therefore, the Apostle adjoins, and says, _whatever
serves for life and godliness_; that is, we have such power of God
that by it we are eminently favored with grace to do good and to live
forever.

_Through the knowledge of Him who hath called us._ Such power of God,
and such rich grace, come from no other source but from this
knowledge of God; for if you count Him for a God, He will deal also
with you in all things as a God. So Paul also says, I. Cor. i., "Ye
are in all points enriched in every kind of word and knowledge, even
as the preaching of Christ is made powerful in you, so that ye have
henceforth no want." This is now the greatest thing of all, the
noblest and most needful that God can give us,--so that we are not to
receive all that is in heaven and on earth; for what would it help
you, though you were able to go through fire and water, and do all
kinds of wonderful works, and had not this? Many people who perform
such miracles shall be condemned. But this is wonderful above all
things else, that God gives us such power, that thereby all our sins
are forgiven and blotted out, death, the devil and hell, subdued and
vanquished; so that we have an unharassed conscience and a happy
heart, and fear for nothing.

_Through His glory and virtue._ How does that call come, whereby we
are called of God? Thus: God has permitted the holy Gospel to go
forth into the world and be made known, though no man had ever before
striven for it, or sought or prayed for it, of Him. But ere man had
ever thought of it, He has offered, bestowed, and beyond all measure
richly shed forth such grace, so that He alone has the glory and the
praise; and we ascribe to Him alone the virtue and the power, for it
is not our work, but His only. Wherefore, since th