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…

then getteth he the upper hand of both parties. So then, let us bear this threatening well in mind, whereby the holy Ghost meant too waken us throughly, […] every of us might stand upon his guard, too beware of taking pitch or stomach at things, least afterward we conceive such hatred, as may so harden us, that there shall be no more means too appease us.

then getteth he the vpper hand of both parties. So then, let vs beare this threatening well in mynd, whereby the holy Ghost ment too waken vs throughly, 〈…〉 euery of vs myght stand vppon his gard, too beware of taking pritch or stomacke at thinges, least afterwarde wee conceyue such hatred, as may so harden vs, that there shall bee no more meanes too appeaze vs.

Now hereunto S. Paul addeth another warning (as I have declared already,) wherein he rebuketh the common vices that are contrary too the rule which our Lord giveth us, too the intent we should live as Gods children, knowing whereto we be called. And now he speaketh of the Deceits, Robberies, and Extortions that are committed, when every man is too much wedded too himself, and hath no conscience of other mens harms. Let him then that stole (sayeth he) steal no more: but rather let him labour with his hands too do the things that are good and profitable, and wherewith he may succour such as have need. Now whereas S. Paul speaketh here of theft, he meaneth not such thieves as men punish with whipping or with hanging: but all manner of slights and crafts that are used too get other mens goods by evil practises, as extortions, briberies, and all other like things. Although then that such things be faced out, or else that they which are most guilty of them, be not accused before men, because they can skill how too cloak their misdoings: yet doth S. Paul call them all thefts and robberies. And why? For the Prophets and Apostles spake not the ordinary manner of speech that is used in Courts of Justice on earth: but had an eye to the judgment seat of God. For the thing that may be excused, yea and peradventure well justified before men, shall not fail too be condemned ⟨p. 221⟩