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…

but for that it is for our behoof too have some bridle too hold us in obedien•e under laws, and too have some power and authority over us, and to stand in fear and awe of magistrates, because we cannot forbear such a remedy. Seeing then that God hath set magistrates in such state: it is certain that they be therefore subject too those whom they ought too serve in reigning over them. As much is too ⟨p. 276⟩be said of fathers. It is true that the father ought too be honoured of his children. Yet notwithstanding, forasmuch as it is an honourable title, it shall cost them right deer, if they govern not their households discreetly. And in that government there is also subjection. Likewise is it between the husband and the wife. For is it not a subjection that the husband beareth with the frailty of his wife, and hath the discretion too forbear rigour towards her, holding her as his companion, and taking upon him a part of her burden both in sickness and in health? Is not that a subjection? yes. Not without cause then doth Saint Paul pronounce here generally, that all they which will prove themselves faithful, must be subject one to another, namely every man in his state and degree. Let them that are highly advanced consider well, that Gods advancing of them, is too the end they should the willinglyer submit themselves too bear the pains and cares that belong too their office: and let such as are inferiors understand, that they ought much rather too humble themselves, and too bear the yoke that is laid upon their neck. And let such as are equals and fellows, (unless they will needs be as wood beasts, and are loth too maintain any courtesy among them) consider nevertheless, that every man ought to bear with his neighbours. And is not this a subjection? We cannot live one with another without forbearing. Now surely all forbearing importeth bondage,¹ therefore must we be served for necessities sake. According whereunto it is said in another place that we must owe nothing but that which charity bindeth us unto. And herein we see what a stateliness it is, when any man shall say, what owe I unto you? It is true that men may well upbraid one another, that they owe them no duty: but they must step yet further. And that is the cause why Saint Paul setteth down the fear of our Lord Jesus Christ, or of God.

but for that it is for our behoof too haue some brydle too hold vs in obediene vnder lawes, and too haue some power and authoritie ouer vs, and to stand in feare and awe of magistrats, bycause wee cannot forbeare such a remedie. Seeing then that God hath set magistrates in such state: it is certein that they be therfore subiect too those whom they ought too serue in reigning ouer them. As much is too