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 he putteth truth foremost, purposely, because our linking together would not boot us at all, unless Jesus Christ were the bond of our concord, and that God alloweth it, because it is grounded upon his word, Saint Paul then meant here too put a difference betwixt us, and the heathen and unbelievers. For all men will grant well enough, that there can be nothing but havoc among men, when they be like too Dogs and Cats: and it hath bin known for a grounded principle in all ages, in all Countries, and among all people, insomuch that even the heathen folk, and such as knew not what true religion meaneth, have simply commended and esteemed the benefit of concord and agreement together.

And he putteth truth foremest, purposely, bycause our linking toogither would not boote vs at all, vnlesse Iesus Christ were the bond of our concord, and that God alloweth it, bycause it is grounded vpon his woord, Saynt Paule then ment heere too put a difference betwixt vs, and the heathen and vnbeleeuers. For all men will graunt well ynough, that there can be nothing but hauocke among men, when they bee lyke too Dogges and Cattes: and it hath bin knowen for a grounded principle in all ages, in all Countries, and among all people, insomuch that euen the heathen folke, and such as knew not what trewe religion meaneth, haue simply commended and esteemed the benefyte of concord and agreement toogither.

But yet they builded without foundation. And therefore Saint Paul beginneth at Gods truth: As if he should say, we must not only link in one among our selves: but God must also go before us, and we must obey him, so as we must be gathered together under him, and he sit over us, and we must lever choose too be at defiance with the whole world, than too slip away from him. Thus ye see that the thing which we have too mark upon this text, is that God will not have us too be knit together without knowing how or why: but he will have us too agree too worship and serve him, and too put our whole trust in his infinite goodness, so as Jesus Christ be our head, and we all members of his body through the power of faith. And again, that when we once know how we have a father in heaven which hath adopted us too be his children, and that Jesus Christ hath vouchsafed too take our flesh and substance upon him, too the intent that we should be flesh of his flesh, and bone of his bone: the same should move us too love one another, too be careful each for others salvation, and too help one another according too the ability that God giveth us. According whereunto it is said in the Psalm,