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 there is nothing but weakness in us, and again we see that the devil is so mighty and strong an enemy, as we can never be able to subdue him, and our lusts are as mad beasts, without reason, without measure, without stay: by reason whereof we be as good as vanquished, even before any stroke be stricken: S. Paul saith that the spirit doth also lust against the flesh: that is to say, that whereas we be provoked to do evil of our own nature, and the devil thrusteth us forward, it standeth us on hand to fight so much the more valiantly against all the temptations wherewith we be pri•••d and spurred. And in so doing we have a good help. For who •all gain the goal? Who shall ⟨p. 266⟩have the upper hand and mastery? Shall the corruption that is in us? or shall the power of God have it? Therefore whensoever God listeth to utter the grace of his holy spirit, he shall always be the stronger and win the field, how great hardness soever there be in the matter. So then let us do so much honour unto God, as to trust that he will uphold us, and make us to win the battle, and let us march on boldly under his banner, howbeit in calling upon him with reverence and wariness. For (as I have showed already) S. Paul meant not to make it too hard a matter, because men are overmuch inclined to slothfulness. He meant not to rock men asleep: no, but he telleth us, first that we must become enemies to our selves, and fight against our own thoughts, and against all our affections, to serve God aright. But now, because we might be astonished, and every of us might draw back because it is impossible for us too bring it about: he sayeth, Shall not Gods spirit get the upper hand? Yes, but we have it not. And of whom is that long, but for that we resort not too him that is ready too give it us,¹ yea verily in such measure and portion as he knoweth too be for our behoof? Our Lord crieth by the Prophet Isaiah▪ All you that be athirst, come to the water, take both wine, water, and milk, without money or ware: for I am ready too give you bountifully as much as you need. Lo how God speaketh. Likewise our Lord Jesus Christ also telleth us, that he is the true fountain whereout of it behoveth us to draw,²