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

Besides this, all that ever is done of these pelting hypocrites, and of all the whole stinging and stinking rabble of shavelings, (what pretence so ever they make) tendeth too none other end, but to have their dishes always full, so that all their fighting is but for their belly. Also there are a great number of Neuters, which are contented to have the Gospel preached by halves, but to go too it with so great rigour and severity, ô (say they) it is no reason at all, for the world cannot away with it. And why should not men pass much for Ceremonies (say they?) Although they sprung of superstitions and abuses, yet should we not go too work so roughly: for that were too importunate dealing. All they then which cannot abide too have the filthy dregs and corruptions of Popery cut off to the quick, do certainly aim at none other mark, than too eschew persecution, and too shrink away from it. And would God that examples of it were not too rife. But nowadays ye shall see an infinite number of such as would be ashamed to withstand the Gospel in all respects, consent well enough with us to say, In deed it is true, but yet many things had need to be borne withal, and we had need to go to it with gentleness and modesty. And what moveth them to this? What foundation have they? See I pray you what they allege. O (say they) we see fires kindled every where: and what a thing were it too move yet further troubles that should make them greater? It should seem that we be bent of set purpose to provoke those that are already enemies to the Gospel, and have the sword in their hand, and are able to rend all up by the root: were it not better too bear with things awhile, till God had given some rest too his Church? It is certain therefore that such folk as desire too make truce with those that fight openly against our Lord Jesus Christ, are full of treason. And so see ye the second warning that is to be marked upon this text. Furthermore whe• […] S. Paul sayeth, that the stumbling ⟨p. 254⟩block of the Cross shall be done away he meaneth that the world shall no more be so provoked to refuse the doctrine of the Gospel: for when we preach Jesus Christ crucified simply without any mixture, that doth he purposely name the preaching of the Cross.

Besides this, all that euer is done of these pelting hypocrites, and of all the whole stinging and stinking rable of shauelings, (what pretence so euer they make) tendeth too none other end, but to haue their dishes alwayes ful, so that all their fighting is but for their bellie. Also there are a great number of Neuters, which are contented to haue the Gospell preached by halues, but to go too it with so great rygour and seueritie, ô (say they) it is no reason at all, for the worlde cannot awaye with it. And why should not men passe much for Ceremonies (say they?) Although they sprung of superstitions and abuses, yet shoulde wee not go too worke so roughly: for that were too importunate dealing. All they then which cannot abyde too haue the filthie dregges and corruptions of Poperie cutte off to the quicke, do certainly ame at none other marke, than too eschue persecution, and too shrinke awaye from it. And woulde God that examples of it were not too ryfe. But nowadayes ye shall see an infinite number of such as would be ashamed to withstande the Gospell in all respects, consent well ynough with vs to say, In deede it is true, but yet many things had neede to be borne withall, and we had neede to go to it with gentlenesse and modestie. And what moueth them to this? VVhat foundation haue they? See I pray you what they alledge. O (say they) wee see fires kindled euerie where: and what a thing were it too moue yet further troubles that shoulde make them greater? It should seeme that we bee bent of set purpose to prouoke those that are alreadie enemies to the Gospell, and haue the sworde in theyr hande, and are able to rende all vp by the roote: were it not better too beare with things awhile, till God had giuen some rest too his Church? It is certaine therefore that such folke as desire too make truce with those that fight openly against our Lord Iesus Christ, are ful of treason. And so see ye the second warning that is to be marked vpon this text. Furthermore whe S. Paule sayeth, that the stumbling