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

yet will they needs be wedded to it still. Although then that God do cry too these unadvised folk to bring them into the right way: yet are they so dulled that they cannot obey •••er the Counsel nor the warnings which they here. Thus ye see why S. Paul sayeth, that such as have sown after that manner, shall of the flesh reap corruption. ⟨image 326⟩But they (sayeth he) which sow to the spirit, (that is to say, which know that there is a much preciouser life than this wherein we be, and set their whole affection and mind thereupon) shall reap of the spirit everlasting life. That is to say, because they have bin governed by Gods spirit, and have laboured to come unto him and too be knit to him: therefore is their reward also ready for them. Now here first of all we be warned, to think better upon all our thoughts, doings, attempts, wishes, and endeavours, and to consider well too what end they tend. For this similitude shall always be found true, that we do then sow, when we apply our labour or travel to any thing. Therefore let us look well to our selves, and consider that although God will have us to gather Corn and wine in this world for the sustenance of our bodies: yet notwithstanding he calleth us yet higher, and will not have us to be held still here. Wherefore let us learn to seek first that God may reign, and bear rule, so as we may yield our selves wholly to him and his righteousness, and that the care of this transitory life dull us not, as I have said afore: but but that it may be as an income to the principal whereunto we must go, that is to say, to the kingdom of God. To be short, let us consider that God hath put us into this world to sow, that is to say, not to be idle nor unoccupied. And how? Truly the Ministers of Gods word ought to sow, to the end to gather in such a harvest, as they may offer up to God as an holy offering. And their sowing is too teach faithfully, to the end that Gods word may bring forth fruit, and his name be glorified and blessed, accordingly as our Lord Jesus Christ said to his Apostles,¹ I have chosen you to the end you should go and bring forth abundance of fruit, and such fruit as shall last for ever. The ministers then have this peculiar to themselves:

yet will they needes bee wedded to it still. Although then that God doo crie too these vnaduized folke to bring them intoo the right way: yet are they so dulled that they cannot obey er the Counsell nor the warnings whiche they heere. Thus yeeree why S. Paule sayeth, that suche as haue sowen after that maner, shall of the fleshe reape corruption.