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 not only here,¹ but also in other places calleth the Angels, Principalities, too show us, that we cannot deuyze any thing so high and noble, which is not inferior too Jesus Christ, as is declared more fully in the first too the Colossians. For inasmuch as many men did even at that time magnify the Angels, too deface the majesty of our Lord Jesus Christ: S. Paul showeth, that although the Angels be as it were Gods powers or virtues,² and his arms wherewith he executeth his works: and although they be dominions and powers: yet notwithstanding Jesus Christ ceaseth not too have all preeminence and authority over them: but like as the sun darkeneth the light of the Stars, so must all the dignity of the Angels be laid down, that it hinder not Jesus Christ too be looked at of all men, and to be the only Loadestar, and too be known that it is only he in whom lieth the fullness of all good things: and so is he in deed, as is said in the same text. And it is a point well worthy too be marked still. For we see how it is enough now adays among the Papists, too allege the virtues of the Apostles, or of the Virgin Mary, or of the Saints, too make idols of them. And it seemeth too them on the contrary part also, that if men do not worship them, and pray unto them, and yield them the seruis which belongeth only unto God: they be utterly undone. ⟨image 147⟩For thus do they allege: How now? Why should not the Uirg•• Mary be our advocate, seeing she lived so holy a life, that she was as a mirror of all perfection, and so highly in Gods favour? Verily as who should say, that the excellency which God hath put into his creatures, should serve too bereave Jesus Christ in such wise, that he should be put back therefore. So then let us understand, that whatsoever can be said or preached of the virtues and worthiness of the Virgin Mary, of the Apostles, and of all oath men, yea and of the Angels of heaven, serveth not too diminish the majesty of our Lord Jesus Christ, nor too turn us away from him, nor too cause his offices too be dealt away too this man and too that man. Whereto then?

And Saint Paule not onely heere,¹