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

For in that our Lord Jesus Christ is called the only son of God, not only men, but also the very Angels of heaven are excluded from that dignity, so that it belongeth to none but only to Jesus Christ. Howbeit forasmuch as we be joined ⟨p. 187⟩unto him, and he will not be separated from us, but showeth himself to be our head, and we have such union with him as the members have with the head: therefore he saith that either we must have the spirit of our Lord Jesus Christ, or else we can have no familiar access to our God, too call upon him as our father: and it were too great a presumption for us too take that honour upon us. For if a beggar would make himself a rich mans son, folk would laugh him to scorn, and he should be shaken off with all the shame that might be. And how then should we silly worms of the earth, yea and full of all infection and filthiness, go match our selves with the Angels of heaven, to say that God is our father? Truly the very Angels themselves cannot challenge such nobility, but by the means of our Lord Jesus Christ because he is their head. Then were it great pride in us if we would take upon us too sty above the Angels, without coming in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, or without having his spirit, that we might be accepted as members of his body, and be entertained as it were in his person. And therefore also it is said that he maketh intercession for us, and that we call upon God in his name. For if he were not our spokesman, how could we hope too have our petitions received? Let us a little consider the feebleness that is in us when we intend too pray unto God. Although we sigh unfeignedly, and although we have good motions to lift us up: yet do we faint, and they that think too come unto God with a perfect zeal, beguile themselves, yea even to grossly. But they that humbly acknowledge themselves to be as they be: do perceive themselves too halt and stumble even in the very virtue and strength that is given them. Howbeit forasmuch as our Lord Jesus Christ is in the midst, & standeth there in our behalf, and maketh us to come near: therefore we may boldly pray. And for the same cause did the high Priest in the time of the law bear twelve precious stones upon his breast, and other twelve behind upon his shoulders, wherein were written the names of the twelve tribes of Israel.

For in that our Lord Iesus Christ is called the only sonne of God, not only men, but also the very Angelles of heauen are excluded from that dignitie, so that it belongeth to none but onely to Iesus Christ. Howbeeit for asmuch as we bee ioyned