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 have too mark, that S. Paul speaking of the doctrine of the Gospel, matcheth Jesus Christ with it, according as it hath bin told us heretofore, that the thing which God showeth us in his word, is the knowledge of Jesus Christ, as who is also the end and substance thereof. Therefore let us mark it,¹ to the intent we wander not when we would fainest profit in Gods word, but may have always a certain mark too aim at. For we see a number that have turned over the Scripture leaf by leaf, and are able too make great report ⟨p. 207⟩of it. But in the mean while they wot not what the effect or pith of it is: for their aiming is not at our Lord Jesus Christ. So much the more behoveth it us too mark well all the texts wherein it is showed us, that when we once know the benefits that are brought unto us by the Son of God, what power he hath, and what treasures he uttereth towards us: then we have the true understanding of the Gospel. But without Jesus Christ we have nothing. And verily we ought too be the more provoked thereunto, by the example of those which name themselves Christians, and yet notwithstanding wot not too what Saint too vow themselves, as they say. As for example, see how the Papists gad up and down without any certainty, and are as Reeds that bend with every wind. And why? (Because) there is no steadfastness but in our Lord Jesus Christ, and they be justly punished for not seeking of him. For although they be never so stout in their own imaginations: yet must they be fain too know in the end, that the things which they have builded and forged in their own heads, are nothing. And therefore (as I have touched already) let us understand that Jesus Christ is the sheet anchor whereunto God the father calleth us, and that we must not be drawn from him for any thing, but apply all that we have unto him. And that is the cause why S. Paul doth in Gods name and authority, exhort and warn those again which have heard Jesus Christ, and bin taught of him by the doctrine of his Gospel.

And wee haue too marke, that S. Paule speaking of the doctrine of the Gospell, matcheth Iesus Christ with it, according as it hath bin tolde vs heretofore, that the thing which God sheweth vs in his word, is the knowledge of Iesus Christ, as who is also the end and substance thereof. Therefore let vs marke it,¹