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 now he sayeth, that be yielded not too them so much as one minute in way of subjection, too the end that the liberty of the Gospel might continue in his full force. That is in effect the thing that is rehearsed here. And first of all we have too arm our selves against the household enemies, which labour too turmoil and trouble the doctrine of the Gospel in such wise, as it may become like a misshapen thing, and men may not discern any more of it. But let us not be abashed when it happeneth so: for it is no novelty at all▪ Wherefore let us understand, that as it was Gods will too try the constancy of the faithful in S. Pauls time: so it is good reason that we also should be tried in these days,¹ according as it is said, that it is necessary that there should be sects and heresies, too the intent that they which ⟨p. 56⟩have taken deep root might be known by continuing in their obedience to Godward, and bear their mark that men may know them to have profited truly in the school of our Lord Jesus Christ, for that they have not suffered themselves too be misled or thrust out of the way. That therefore is the cause why our Lord doth always suffer some troublers to sow darnel seed, and too labour too turn the pure doctrine upside down. He could well let it if he thought good: but he giveth Satan the bridle, that our faith may be the better tried. Although we see occasions before our eyes, yet let us not swerve one way nor other, but keep on still in the way that is showed us, assuring our selves that we cannot do amiss in resting wholly upon Gods word. Then if we stand too that, it is a good trial of our faith. Furthermore let us fight against such dogs, knowing that they be deadly plagues, and do much more harm than they that leap quite out of their sockets, and show themselves manifestly too be despisers of the Gospel. Those then that are intermeddled among us are the worser sort, and it standeth us on hand too resist them manfully. For if we shrink from them in the battle, surely we shall have so much the greater confusion, and men shall not be able any more too put a difference between white and black.

And now he sayeth, that be yeelded not too them so much as one minute in way of subiection, too the end that the libertie of the Gospell might continue in his full force. That is in effect the thing that is rehearced heere. And firste of all wee haue too arme our selues agaynst the houshold enemies, which labour too turmoyle and trouble the doctrine of the Gospell in such wyse, as it may become lyke a mishapen thing, and men may not discerne any more of it. But lette vs not bee abashed when it happeneth so: for it is no noueltie at all VVherefore lette vs vnderstand, that as it was Gods will too trie the constancie of the faythfull in S. Paules time: so it is good reason that wee also should bee tried in these dayes,