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

Now the world would always fain have solemnities, and first of all we see that many mens ears itch, and they desire nothing but that men should flourish in Rhetoric and painted speech, and such other like things. Again we see that many are ashamed of the simplicity of the Gospel, because that if the great and small should be coupled together, it might seem that it tendeth too the pulling down of all highness. And should men be spoiled and robbed after that manner of all their glory [think they?] Many therefore are ashamed of that. Now for this cause Saint Paul sayeth, Go too, it is the preaching of a Gibbet or Gallows. It is true: for to the intent to open unto us the Kingdom of heaven, the son of God was fain to suffer our curse, and to endure that death which is so slanderous before men, yea and to be cursed of Gods own mouth according to the saying of the Law, Cursed is he that hangeth on tree.¹ Then was our Lord Jesus Christ fain to come to that point, that he might be our borrow. To be short, he was as good as overwhelmed. And we see how the Prophet Isaiah saith of him,² that he was disfigured like a poor Lazerman, so as men vouchsafed not to look upon him, or to count him in the number of men.³ Also we see how the .xxij. Psalm saith, I am a worm and not a man,⁴ I am a mockingstocke even to the rascallest sort: insomuch that the thief did scorn him and scoff at him. Well then, at the first sight this doctrine seemeth unworthy to be received.⁵ But we must bethink us what Saint Paul saith in another text: that is to wit, that the world knew not God in true wisdom, and therefore he was fain to use another fashion of teaching, which is by foolishness. For were we throughly wise, as we would be taken too be: we have as good an instruction as can be, in beholding the skies and the earth. We see there a mirror wherein god showeth us his infinite goodness, power, righteousness, mercy and wisdom. And so we see there the great treasures of Gods wisdom, which ought […] ravish our wits to wonder at it. ⟨image 277⟩