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

Therefore when we be throughly persuaded of the gracious benefits that are brought us by the son of God: then may we say we have some understanding in the Gospel: but without that, we have nothing but imagination and folly. Mark that for one point. And therewith ⟨p. 112⟩let us mark, that it is not enough for us too know slightly that our Lord Jesus Christ hath bought us so dearly: but that we must continue still in the doctrine of the Gospel, till it be throughly printed in our hearts, as though his blood gushed down, too apply the fruit that cometh of it too our use: and that is too the end to waken us out of our drowsiness. For we shall see many that take themselves too be very great Clerks, if they understand but three or four words of the Gospel at a glance. And yet the same shall soon be defaced and put out of remembrance, because that whereas we ought too seek too be filled with the benefits that our Lord Jesus Christ hath brought us, they hold themselves contented with a taste of them. God then punisheth the unthankfulness of such folk, and their despising of his goodness. And therefore it standeth us so much the more on hand, to put forth & apply all our endeavour to be well settled in the foresaid doctrine, that is too wit, of knowing whereunto the death and passion of Gods son, and the inestimable benefits which we have received, do avail us. Again on the other side we be warned, that our sins are the heynouser before God, if after we have bin taught his will, we turn head back again, and sin, not through ignorance, but through contempt and wilfulness. For if we shake off his yoke, it is a sure proof that we be loth to be subject to him, and play the wild beasts. True it is that even the ignorantest folk in the world are reproved by their own sinfulness, forasmuch as hypocrisy reigneth in all men: but yet if comparison be made between those that never heard one word of the truth, and us that have our ears beaten with it, and are provoked without end or ceasing to come unto God: we be much more faulty than they. Behold, the Turks believe that they worship the God that made heaven and earth: how beit forasmuch as they refuse our Lord Jesus Christ, they have but an Idol. The Papists also are deceived in their fond devotions.

Therefore when wee bee throughly persuaded of the gracious benefites that are brought vs by the sonne of God: then may wee say wee haue some vnderstanding in the Gospell: but without that, wee haue nothing but imagination and follie. Marke that for one poynt. And therewith