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

So then let us not abuse the gracious gifts that God hath put into them, to deface the Majesty of him and the Gospel. Thus ye see after what manner Saint Paul speaketh here of the Apostles. For we have heard how he said heretofore, that if an Angel from heaven should gainsay the Gospel, he ought to be hated and cursed as if he were a Devil. And how so? Is it meet that men should speak so reproachfully of the Angels which are so noble creatures, and which are called the heavenly principalities and powers of God?¹ It is no wrong at all too do so too them, when it cometh to the yielding of sovereign dominion too our Lord Jesus Christ who is their head, for it behoveth them too be placed under him. Therefore let us not think we have any wrong offered us, though we were trodden a hundred times under foot, so it be to the exalting of Gods name, and that our Lord Jesus Christ may have his duty and supremacy reserved unto him, so as he may be heard both of great and small, and all men submit themselves too him in true obedience of faith. Now hereupon ⟨image 66⟩we may gather how blind the wretched Papists are in honouring the Apostles and Martyrs in such wise, that God is robbed of his honour and service, insomuch as it should seem that all that belongeth and is reserved to him is put to the spoil and pray [among them.] For what difference make they between him and his creatures? And besides that, our Lord Jesus Christ is as good as buried, because they pluck away the office from him that was given him. For in stead of being our Advocate too give us entrance unto God his father, and that we should go right forth unto him if we intend too have our prayers and supplications heard: they have set up an infinite multitude of Advocates, Patrons and Intercessors, and Jesus Christ is Jack out of office. Now when we see that the creatures have obtained such honour among men, that by that means God is as it were thrust back, and his word borne down: thereby we perceive that the Divill hath turned all upside down. Therefore how soever the world go, let our esteeming of men be after such a sort, as God may hold still that which is his own:

So then let vs not abuse the gracions giftes that God hath put into them, to deface the Maiestie of him and the Gospell. Thus ye see after what maner Saint Paule speaketh here of the Apostles. For wee haue heard howe hee sayde heeretoofore, that if an Angell from heauen should gainsay the Gospell, he ought to bee hated and cursed as if hee were a Diuell. And how so? Is it meete that men should speake so reprochfully of the Angels which are so noble creatures, and which are called the heauenly principalities and powers of God?