The sermons of M. John Calvin, upon the Epistle of S. Paul too the…The sermons of M. Iohn Caluin, vpon the Epistle of S. Paule too the…

And Saint Paul sayeth expressly, Masters as touching the flesh, because that among other •lyghtes of Satan wherewith he […] too trouble the world in old time, and also too make the doctrine of ⟨image 334⟩the Gospel hated: he did put this heresy into a number of mens heads, that if we be once spiritual, we must no more be subject too any worldly and transitory policy, neither is that the state of Gods children. And we also have seen in our time a sort of seditious and mad headed people, which have endeavoured too abolish all principalities too take away taxes and imposts, and too make every man master of himself, like mice in the chaff, as they say. And they grounded themselves upon this foundation, that inasmuch as God hath adopted us too be his children, and the world is now renewed, too the intent we should be grafted into the body of our Lord Jesus Christ: it is a thing against reason, and contrary too all equity, yea and even against the honour of God, that unbelievers should reign over us, or that they which name themselves faithful, should […] sovereignty over their brethren and neighbours. Lo how the d•uell laboureth too drive it into mens heads, that the Gospel confoundeth all order in the world, too the intent that men should hate it & abhor it. Again, too say that there is no man better than other, is a pleasant speech, and very fit too entice a great number of folk. S. Paul therefore sayeth purposely, that although masters […] temporal authority, and that their superiority doth […] the flesh, that is too say, this present world, and this transitory life: yet must they not be defrauded of their right, neither did our Lord Jesus Christ come too make a confused equality here, so as it should not be known who is great, and who is little, but too make every man too hold himself quietly in his calling,¹ without looking loftily, as it is said in the Psalm. The way too make us humble and meek, is too have an eye every of us too his own calling, so as the person that is advanced too authority and honour above others, be not puffed up with pride and presumption for it, but rather abase himself before God, assuring himself that he is double bound unto him, for exalting him after that sort• and the meaner sort maintain themselves in their meanness, without usurping that which belongeth not too them.