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

But in as much as we have the heavenly pattern that was spoken of unto Moses,¹ according also as the Apostle in the Epistle too the Hebrews, and Saint Steven in the Acts do show right well:² now we understand wherefore God ordained such Ceremonies.³ The thing then which we have too mark for one point, is that we must understand, how here is no speaking of matters of small importance, but in knowing wherein the Ceremonies profited the fathers of old time, and why it was Gods will to have them abolished at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. And herewithal we see also, that Saint Paul spared not Peter though he were his fellow, and were in as worthy and excellent an office as he was, and seemed that of duty he should have bin borne withal. Howsoever the case stood with him, he rebuked him sharply for that matter. We may much better deem, that if it were a small & light thing, S. Paul would not have moved such debate and strife for it. Needs therefore must it be a matter of great importance. But by the way we be warned, that whensoever Gods truth is defaced, or that any man turneth away from the pure simplicity of the Gospel, we must not in any wise spare him, but although the whole world should set it self against us, yet must we maintain the case with invincible constancy, without bending for any creature. For if any man ought to be borne with, the same was Peter: and seeing that our Lord Jesus Christ had bestowed such gifts of grace upon him, as to give him that name, Saint Paul should have yielded somewhat unto him: yea, but that matter was not to be borne with. Then ye see here an example, which showeth us that when the authority of men tendeth to the defacing of the truth of the ⟨image 94⟩Gospel, we must fall too striving and not regard any creature. And this is greatly for our profit nowadays. For there are many that would fain row between two streams, and although they perceive the abuses and corruptions, yet would they bear on both sides, and all to purchase peace as they themselves say, whereas in the end there must needs follow great confusion when men do so heave one at another. Therefore too appease all discord, they would fain have a parting of stakes and a mingle-mangle made, and that every man should bow on his side. But in the mean while, will God give over his right at the pleasure of men?