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 we see by experience, that this was not spoken for nothing. For what a number are there which carry a great countenance and show of knowledge, and yet do nothing but set all things in a broil and uproar, through their vain glory? There are a great sort which could find in their harts too have our Lord Jesus Christ buried, that they them selves might perk up, and have all the world gaze upon them, and be had in estimation, and reioyst at. And many wretches come so far, that they pass not what come of it, so they may keep them selves in reputation. Again, othersome mingle our Lord Jesus Christ with so many superstitions, that he is utterly overshadowe• with them. We see what is happened in Popery. For they verify their own proverb throughly, that the son of God cannot be• known from his Apostles. And why? Because they have fleeced him, and robbed him of the honour that belongeth too him, and made as it were a booty of it, dealing too every man his share and portion of it. Thus are the Papists well grown, howbeit that is but in ignorance and superstition, because Jesus Christ hath not his preeminence among them, neither is he their sheet anchor. Yea and even among us also ye shall see some so desirous too get renown among men, that Jesus Christ shall be as nothing with them. So much the more therefore doth it stand us on hand too mind well this lesson of Saint Pauls, that our growing must be in our Lord Jesus Christ,¹ according to this saying of Saint John Baptist, I must diminish, and he increase. Let us follow that example, namely that the excellency which is in the Church should abide unimpaired, and yet in the mean• while Jesus Christ be the sheet anchor of all men. For although the Stars have their brightness: yet must the Sun shine above them, and men must know that it is he by whom we have the true light in deed. And therefore let our Lord Jesus, who is the dayso•e of righteousness, be so regarded, as nothing may impeach him, nor blear our eyes that we should not look• at him, and our faith […] ⟨p. 194⟩levelled alonely at him. That then is the cause why Saint Paul addeth expressly, that Jesus Christ must be our head, and we grow in him, and resort unto him, and set ou whole study and mind upon him.