• ‘That they may not become too complacent or delighted in married life, he makes them distressed by the shortcomings of their partners, or humbles them through wilful offspring, or afflicts them with the want or loss of children. But, if in all these matters he is more merciful to them, he shows them by diseases and dangers how unstable and passing all mortal blessings are, that they may not be puffed up with vain glory.’  (4:1:3)

• ‘It should not surprise us, indeed, if our natural feeling should be alarmed at hearing of our separation from this life. But it is intolerable that there should not be sufficient light and devotion in a Christian’s breast to suppress all that fear with an overwhelming consolation.’ (4:5:1)

• ‘But this we may positively state, that nobody has made any progress in the school of Christ unless he cheerfully looks forward to the day of his death and to the day of the final resurrection.’ (4:5:3) 

-John Calvin, Golden Booklet [& Institutes, Book III, chp 6]

(GSiV: Heaven; John Calvin)