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…

To all Christians baptized in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the holy Ghost, dwelling or abiding in France, greeting.

To all Christians baptized in the name of the Father, and of the Sonne, and of the holy Ghost, dwelling or abyding in Fraunce, greeting.

IT is a wondrous matter right dearly believed brethren, how all of us glory in our Baptism, and yet consider not all with one accord what that mark importeth of i• own nature, namely by following the intent of him that is the author of it. For no doubt but if we did so, we should all join together in one holy consent too worship the only one God in spirit and truth, and to acknowledge Jesus Christ for our only Saviour, Advocate, Master, yea and Lord, as touching the government of our souls and consciences: and we would take his only word for our wisdom, guide, and rule of our whole life, and specially of his service, without mingling of the inventions of mans brain with it, how great antiquity or countenance so ever they seem too have. Yea, and for the outward government and visible order of the Church, we would hold us to that which our Lord Jesus Christ in whose name we were Baptized, hath showed thereof too his Apostles, and by them enjoineth the whole world too follow even unto the last day. And certainly then should the strange confusion and divisions cease which are too be seen in Christendom, whereof those are the cause, which will not hearken unto God, and yield full authority too his word, which fault shall be laid too their charge at the judgment of God, unless they turn a new leaf. The Lord and Father of mercy grant them grace so too do, according as supplication is made too him for them, in all holy assemblies where he is called upon according too his will, in the only name of Jesus Christ. That is the thing which we desire: For here the case concerneth not the bringing in of some new device, after the fancy of men, neither strive we too make the victory fall upon mens sides, whatsoever they be, as some surmise: but that God and his word may have the upper hand against all abuses, superstitions, and lies of Satan, and ⟨image 13⟩