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

& finally that we be so dedicated to our god, as we may live chastely & in all holiness,¹ waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ as it is said in the epistle to Titus. That then is the first point of the holiness & perfection which God showeth us by his word. But the Papists will on the contrary part say, how so? what shall become of so many goodly devotions? Shall they all be abolished? Nay it were better that God should be plucked out of Heaven. Lo what the doltishness of the Papists is. But we see how Saint Paul telleth us, that if men be so sore drowned in their own fancies, as too surmise that they can work wonders with God, and be held down too their own pelting trash: all of it is nothing worth. Who hath pronounced it? God by the mouth of Saint Paul. What [availeth […]n? The new creature. And what is meant by the new creature? T••• we should fall too examining of our lives after such a sort, as ⟨p. 326⟩we might be utter abased in our selves: and thereupon offer unto God the spiritual sacrifices which we owe unto him, even offering ourselves too him to the end he may have pity and mercy upon our miseries, and provide remedy for them: and finally be ready too follow him whither soever he calleth us, & not have any other wisdom than his only word, knowing that he cannot be served with pomps and gay shows of great glittering too the world, but he is contented that we should simply offer up unto him our thoughts and affections. And therefore it is long of none but of our selves, that we know not what S Paul meaneth, nor whereto this lesson may serve us. For it is certain, that all they which flatter not themselves in their own vices, but look up unto God, knowing that they must come before his judgement seat will rid their hands of all glory. And furthermore they will consider what God commands them by his word, how he will be served of us, and what he alloweth, so as they shall no more be in danger too be deceived, by those trifling toys wherein the hypocrites are plunged over head and ears. For it is certain that whereas the Papists torment themselves (as we see) to serve God: it is too none other end, but that he should hold them acquit, and they scape his hands, & not be constrained to serve him as he commandeth:

& finally that we be so dedicated to our god, as we may liue chastly & in all holinesse,