Sermons of M. John Calvin upon the Epistle of Saint Paul to the GalatiansSermons of M. Iohn Caluine vpon the Epistle of Saincte Paule to the Galathians

And as our Lord Jesus Christ telleth us, the Heathen men, and the worst men in the world do as much as that comes too. How so? They consider with them selves, I have need of help, I ⟨image 333⟩must win me some friend. Then if we snole out such as are worthy to have good done unto them, and such as are able to requite like for like: it is no right proof nor certain trial that we be willing to employ our selves as God commandeth us. But when we wink at mens unthankfulness, and are inclined to pity, only in respect of their poverty and misery: then do we surely serve God. And if we be once at that point, certainly (as I told you before) we shall endeavour too do good to all men, so as we can not find in our harts to break the indissoluble bond whereby God hath knit and united us together. Therefore the furthest strangers in the world are neighbours near enough unto us, though they be neither our parents, our kinsfolk, nor our acquaintance. And why? For we be all of one flesh, and we bear all one mark, which ought too persuade us too do what we can possible one for another. But how soever the case stand, Saint Paul commendeth unto us chiefly the household folk of faith. And he useth the word Household folk, too touch us more to the quick by that similitude. For although nature teach us that we ought too succour such as are in necessity▪ yet notwithstanding they that are of one household are more inclined and willing to do good one to another. Ye see here what degrees are among men, how all know that there is a certain mutual bond, so as if they forsake even the furthest strangers of the world, therein they forget them selves: yet notwithstanding forasmuch as it is hard for a man to reach out him self so far and wide: therefore men are not so much inclined to do good to unknown persons, except it be in extreme necessity. For then how hard hearted so ever we be, every of us is moved to put to his helping hand to succour a man, when we see him in imminent danger. Yea and this pitifulness is so engraven in us, that it will extend it self even to the brute beasts: and therefore much more reason it is that it should extend to those that are created after Gods image as well as our selves. But as I said, if a man be in extreme necessity, then are we […] more earnest to help […] need.

And as our Lord Iesus Christ telleth vs, the Heathen men, and the worst men in the world doo as muche as that comes too. How so? They consider with them selues, I haue neede of helpe, I