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

12 As many as desire with outward appearance to please in the flesh, constrain you too be circumcised, only to the end they may not suffer persecution for the cross of Christ. 13 For even they themselves which are circumcised keep not the Law, but would have you circumcised that they might glory in your flesh.

12 As many as desire vvith outvvard apparance to please in the flesh, constreyne you too bee circumcized, onely to the ende they may not suffer persecution for the crosse of Christ. 13 For euen they themselues vvhiche are circumcized keepe not the Lavve, but vvoulde haue you circumcyzed that they mighte glorie in your fleshe.

IT is not for nought that God hath so often warned the Preachers of his word, not too seek the well liking and favour of men, but as it were too shut their eyes against all worldly respects, to the end that they gaze not here & there, nor be hindered to do their duty rightly. For we see it is impossible for us too discharge our selves aright, unless we look up unto God, and turn away our look from men, because we shall be easily corrupted when we be so led, whereas nothing ought too bow us one way or other. Howbeit, this constancy is chiefly requisite in such as should bear abroad Gods word, namely that they be not led neither by ambition nor by covetousness too speak in favour of men, or too please them, and that they be not abashed at any threatening or peril. For experience showeth that so soon as a man is afraid of his •inne, or hath respect of […] own profit: he will be changed in the turning of a hand. True ⟨p. 315⟩it is that such as covet mens favour after that fashion, will not at the first dash show themselves to be wicked & enemies of the truth according as our Lord Jesus Christ also putteth a difference between the hirelings and the wolves.¹ After he hath spoken of the good and faithful shepherds which seek the common welfare of the flock: he sayeth, there are also ravening wolves or thieves which seek nothing else but too put all too spoil, ruin, and confusion. And these are they which fight openly against God, labouring and endeavouring to overthrow the pure doctrine of the Gospel. Nevertheless there are also which row between two streams, who do make a countenance to serve God. And truly some men build, howbeit not for any zeal: for there is no soundness of hart in them. Notwithstanding, so long as it is not to their cost, they set a good face upon the matter, so that the world is oftentimes deceived by them, and taketh them too be the ministers of Jesus Christ: but yet their seeking is but for wages, they be wholly given too their bellies. For proof whereof, if ye do but threaten them, by and by they be dismayed, and they will turn the cat in the pan, so that whereas yesterday they seemed too maintain Gods word, too day they bend crooked and a cross. And why? For they see it is the way to please the world, and to profit themselves.