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…

For it ought too suffice us, that we know that the Prophets and Apostles are sufficient witnesses, chosen and ordained too bring us the message of salvation. And by the way Saint Paul showeth, that there is very good agreement between the Law, the Prophets, and the Gospel. In deed we have seen heretofore, that the use of the ceremonies is at an end: but yet for all that, the substance of them continueth still. And when God caused the Gospel too be preached openly too the world, it was not for that he was unconstant, nor for that he intended too teach men after a new and strange fashion, wherewith the Law was nothing acquainted: for the Law and the Prophets bare witness continually too our Lord Jesus Christ. And thereby also are we put in mind, too further our selves by all the things that are contained in Moses and in the rest of the Prophets. For now adays there are some fantastical folk, which think that for all doctrine, we ought too have no more but the new Testament, and that all the rest is superfluous. It is true indeed,¹ that all perfection of wisdom is throughly contained in the Gospel: but yet doth it not therefore follow, that we ought not too be edified by the Law and the Prophets: for we see that the Apostles themselves confirmed their doctrine by their testimonies. And here when S. Paul sayeth, that we must be builded upon their foundation, he showeth sufficiently, that whatsoever things our Lord betook unto them in old time, is profitable for us at this day, and we must practise it, and put it in ure. Likewise S.² Peter sayeth, that they served not only for their own time, but also for ours. True it is, that they gave some taste of our Lord Jesus Christ, and of the good things that are imparted to us by his means: but yet it is we that are come too the fullness of the time▪ as sayeth S.³ Paul in another place. And the same is also a verifying of S. Peters saying, that is too wit, that the doctrine of the Prophets ⟨image 122⟩pointeth at us, and we have more full fruition and greater fruit of it, than they that heard it spoken. For we have so great a light in Jesus Christ, that the things which were then dark, are now manifestly open and known unto us. So then, let us study the Law and the Prophets, knowing well that they lead us to our Lord Jesus Christ.