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

Howbeit, the Devil hath so possessed some, […] spit openly […] that is too say, they defy God without any remorse of conscience, and thereby it appeareth that they be given up too a reprobate mind, ⟨p. 303⟩and spirit of madness. And whence proceedeth such malapertness of advancing mens selves so against God? As I told you before, it cometh of the said hypocrisy, when we think to disguise things in such wise by our subtle slights and fair replies, that there is no more difference betwixt white and black. So much the more therefore doth it behove us too bear well in mind this warning of S. Pauls. Now hereupon he proceedeth with the matter that he had touched, insomuch that he extendeth it yet further, in saying that look as we sow, so shall we reap: He that soweth in the spirit shall of the spirit reap everlasting life, and be that soweth in the flesh, shall reap corruption. To be short, here S. Paul likeneth all the study, care, and pains that we take, unto seed which husbandmen sow. For wherefore do men busy themselves about this or that, or wherefore do they travel and take pains, but for some end which they have purposed to themselves▪ I say, even because they hope for fruit to their commodity: that is the very cause why they be not weary of their labour. As for example: he that intendeth too get much, will suffer hunger and thirst, cold and heat, and nothing will appal him. And why? For his covetousness carieth him on still, so as he forgetteth all things else, and tormenteth himself more than if he were in his enemies hands: nay, his enemies would not torment him so much. So then, when a man taketh great pains too gather goods, it is like the sowing of a husbandman: and he hopeth that harvest will come, and that he shall gather it up again in the end. He that would advance himself too the worldward, dares not sleep half his fill: and what seeketh he by his watching? To come to some honour or worship, and to win credit. Well then, Ambition is the harvest of them that covet worldly honour. Their desire is to gather. And what▪ The thing that their own nature liketh and •ongeth for. Even so is it in all other things. Like as an unthrift will labour too satisfy his appetite, and he will not stick the rather to do some lewd prank, as too play the bawd; or some other like thing. And to what end?

Howbeeit, the Diuell hath so possessed some, spit openly that is too say, they defie God without any remorse of conscience, and thereby it appeereth that they bee giuen vp too a reprobate minde,