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…

Thus ye see what we have to mark upon that strain.

Thus yee see what wee haue to mark vppon that streyne.

Now hereupon Saint Paul inferreth further, that (as I have touched heretofore) we must keep the unity of the spirit, or the bond of peace. For he setteth here the unity of spirit, as a mark that is requisite in the Church and flock of God: insomuch that if we be at odds among our selves, we be at odds with God. And therewithal he showeth us the thing that we have seen briefly before: which is, that if we be not at one among our selves, God disclaimeth us, and telleth us we belong not unto him. This unity therefore is a thing that ought too be much set by now adays, seeing it is the mean in respect whereof we be acknowledged for Gods children. True it is that the wicked and the unbelievers have their confederacies, and are so linked one too another, as there is not a straiter alliance too be found in the world. For even their evil doings do bind them one too another, as though they were fast sowed together, because they perceive themselves too be hampered, insomuch that he which hath conspired in some mischief with another naughtipacke, will be afraid of him, and that fear is as a bond that cannot be broken. Howbeit Saint Paul presupposeth here, that the faithful are at one in God, as he will declare anon. For this cause he showeth them how the same unity may be kept. It is (sayeth he) the bond of peace. For when a fire is once kindled, it is not so soon quenched again. We imagine that when we cast our selves into a chafe, we can come too our selves again by and by, and all shall be whist and still out of hand again. No: for the devil doth so set in his foot, that the strife and contention turneth too a deadly sting, so as men are envenomed with it more and more, and although they show it not outwardly, ne cast up their rage and froth: yet notwithstanding some hartbyting and heartburning will lurk still within, when there hath bin any debate. And therefore (as I said) let us not think that when any trouble is stirred up, it will be pacified so soon as we would have it. In consideration whereof Saint Paul telleth us, ⟨image 176⟩