Sermons of M. Iohn Caluine vpon the Epistle of Saincte Paule to the Galathians

The. 42. Sermon, which is the fifth vpon the sixth Chapter. (Book 42)

12 As many as desire vvith outvvard apparance to please in the flesh, constreyne you too bee circumcized, onely to the ende they may not suffer persecution for the crosse of Christ.

13 For euen they themselues vvhiche are circumci∣zed keepe not the Lavve, but vvoulde haue you circumcyzed that they mighte glorie in your fleshe.

IT is not for nought that God hath so often warned the Preachers of his woorde, not too seeke the well liking and fauour of men, but as it were too shet their eyes against all worldly respects, to the end that they gaze not heere & there, nor be hindered to do their duetie right∣ly. For wee see it is impossible for vs too dis∣charge our selues aright, vnlesse wee looke vp vntoo God, and turne away our looke from men, bycause wee shall bee easly cor∣rupted when wee bee so ledde, whereas nothing ought too bowe vs one way or other. Howbeeit, this constancie is cheefly requi∣site in suche as shoulde beare abrode Gods woorde, namely that they bee not ledde nother by ambition nor by couetousnesse too speake in fauour of men, or too please them, and that they bee not abashed at any threatening or perill. For experience sheweth that so soone as a man is afrayde of his ••inne, or hath respect of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 owne profite: he will bee chaunged in the turning of a hande. True

it is that such as couet mennes fauour after that fashion, will not at the first dash shew themselues to be wicked & enemies of the truth according as our Lord Iesus Christ also putteth a differēce betwene the hyrelings and the woolues.* 1.1 After he hath spoken of the good and faythfull sheepeherds which seeke the cōmon welfare of the flocke: he sayeth, there are also rauening woolues or theeues whiche seeke nothing else but too put all too spoyle, ruine, and confuzion. And these are they which fight openly against God, laboring and indeue∣ring to ouerthrow the pure doctrine of the Gospell. Neuerthelesse there are also which rowe betweene twoo streames, who do make a countenance to serue God. And truly some men builde, howbeit not for any zele: for there is no soundnesse of hart in them. Notwith∣standing, so long as it is not to their coste, they set a good face vpon the matter, so that the world is oftentimes deceyued by them, and taketh them too bee the ministers of Iesus Christ: but yet their see∣king is but for wages, they bee wholly giuen too their bellies. For proofe whereof, if yee do but threaten them, by and by they be dis∣mayed, and they will turne the cat in the pan, so that wheras yester∣day they seemed too maynteyne Gods woord, too day they bende crooked and a crosse. And why? For they see it is the way to please the world, and to profite themselues. And for the same cause doth Sainct Paule nowe warned the Galathians to marke well, that such as had troubled them and thruste them out of the right way, were men giuen too their owne profite, and by that meanes had brought their doctrine in suspicion. Heeretofore he hath already sufficient∣ly discussed and shewed by reason, that if wee put our whole trust in Iesus Christe, the Ceremonies of the Lawe are henceforth super∣fluous: for they serued but for a time, too shewe that it is not for vs, too mingle any merite of their owne, or any fonde opinion of purchacing rightuousnesse before God, if wee bee well settled vpon the grace of our Lorde Iesus Christe. Sainct Paule then hath han∣dled and layde foorth that matter as much as needed. And now too the end that the simple sorte may bee the more moued: he turneth his ••ale too the persones themselues, saying: Consider what is the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 that these men against whom I striue heere, make such a min∣ging of the Ceremonies of the law with our Lord Iesus Christ. Is it

zele that moueth thē therevnto? or is it for that they be desirous to serue God? No: it is rather for that they bee lothe too put them∣selues in daunger of persecution. Seyng then that feare causeth thē too misfashion Gods woorde: yee neede not too make any long inquirie too knowe what maner of men they bee, and whither they bee to be credited or no: for yee see that their chaunging and trans∣forming of themselues after that fashyon, is bycause they would fayne shunne the battell. Nowe then seing that they bee such tray∣tours vnto God through their cowardlinesse, deserue they too bee beleeued, or to haue any reuerence yeelded to their sayings? Thus yee see Sainct Paules meening. But heere all Ministers of Gods woord are taught to haue such constancie and stedfastnesse, as they may not passe whither the doctrine that they bring bee hated or be∣loued of the worlde, but go on still in their race, and not strike sayle at euery winde, nor be shaken like wauering reedes that bowe too and fro: but alwayes hold on in seruing of God, what turnings and chaunges so euer happen, and what troubles and disorders so euer befall.

To bee short, wee must practize the thing that we haue seene be∣fore: which is, that if wee will please mennes fancies, wee must giue ouer the seruis of the Sonne of God. Marke that for one poynt. And heerewithall also all the faythful may receyue a good and profitable lesson in this text: that is too wit, that they muste looke well vppon such as seeke their owne profit and aduauntage, and are desirous to winne fauour with the worlde, and woulde fayne be prayzed: for a man shall neuer haue any holde of such folke. They will not shewe themselues too bee such at the firste brunt (as I sayd afore): for there are that play the Popeholy hypocrites, in somuch that it seemeth that but for them the woord of God woulde growe odious: and so long as it is well lyked, they cast out fire at their mouthes, and yet in the meane whyle yee shall see them chaunge their minde from day too day. If any perill happen, and they see that they muste witnesse with our Lord Iesus Christ in good earnest: then shew they their co∣wardlinesse, and in the end turne quite away, & chaūge their coates as it is sayd in the Prouerbe. But howsoeuer they fare, let vs sta•••• vpon our gard continually, that wee may beleeue such as walke vp∣rightly,

and start not out when they see the world cōfederate them∣selues against them, no though there happen such rage as it may of∣tentimes seeme that they shal be swallowed vp, but which euen whē they see the perilles present, doo neuerthelesse continue in vpright constancie: let vs marke such men as Gods seruants. But as for such as be variable and counterfetting, which say now one thing and now another to eschew mennes hatred, or for feare of persecution: let vs beware of them, that we be not deceyued and beguyled by them, for they bee deadly plagues. And it is certaine that wee shall neuer bee firme and well settled, except we haue that discretion and warenesse with vs, according as S. Paule sheweth vs in this text. And this is ve∣ry needefull now adayes. For what causeth so many hypocrites too gabble agaynst Gods woord, and too play the shamelesse brothels in maynteyning the outrageous abuses that are too bee seene in the Popedome, as their superstitions, idolatries, and errours: but for that they knowe well ynough, that if they make not the pot too boyle apace, they are lyke too starue, and should they not therefore holde fast the possession of their things? Againe on the other side they cō∣sider also the daunger of persecutiō for maynteyning such doctrine: for yee see it is condemned of the Princes and great menne of this world, and therfore it is good sleeping in a whole skinne. See I pray you howe an infinite number doo now adayes disguyse and falsifie Gods truth, and maynteyne all corruptions, bycause they bee lothe to suffer for Iesus Christes sake. True it is that they bee not ranke Papistes too blaspheme Gods woorde openly: but yet they would fayne haue a meane, yea of their owne deuising. For they blame vs of ouermuch rigour and extremitie, in that wee condemne suche as go to Masse, and beare themselues in hand that they woorship not ydols. O (say they), howe should that be, so a man thinke it not in his harte? Should men bee driuen so neere hand as too make it a stumbling blocke, and a matter of lyfe and death? Too what pur∣pose were that? God setteth greate store by our lyfe, and although wee should doo amisse, yet will he haue pitie of our frayltie. Sure∣ly they that speake after 〈◊〉〈◊〉 fashyon, haue none other reason too moue them, but that they see playnely that all the worlde is so sore inflamed agaynst vs, and it seemeth that wee should perishe

and be quite confounded euery day. Thus ye see that they flee backe and labour too imbattell themselues alone from the rest, when they see any daunger appeering. But when we see these liuerharted folke shun persecution after that sort, & loth to come to any hand strokes for our Lord Iesus Christes sake, and winding and transforming thē∣selues after that maner, only to haue peace in this world: it standeth vs so much the more in hande too marke this warning of S. Paules, and to discerne which are the true seruantes of Iesus Christe: that is too wit, they which regard not their owne profite, nor would haue men too faune vppon them, nor seeke the belly cheere and honour of the world: but do simply content themselues with the doyng of their duetie, and passe not what winde doo blowe, whither it be tem∣pestuous and stormie, or whither it be fayre and calme: but to profit their heerers, and to maynteyne in all purenesse the doctrine com∣mitted vnto thē. If we follow the thing that is shewed vs heere, sure∣ly our faith shall neuer stagger as many do now adayes, which know not what to do, and yet notwithstanding will say, I feare the troubles and diuersities of opiniōs, and the bickerings that are in this world. Some cā well ynough say, it were meete that I should giue my selfe wholly to our Lord Iesus Christ: but there are another sorte which take a much pleasanter way, and would haue a reformation but onely in half. And which of these shall I beleeue [say they Opē thine eies: for all they that alledge any such excuces, seeke not too followe the truth, but are well apayde if they can get some shrowding sheete too hide their shame, and would fayne bee flattered: but in the meane whyle, what gaine they by it? For Satan leades them to destruction, and they be willing too follow him. Bicause they are afrayd of their liues, they loue the couert, and bicause they bee giuen too pleasure, they seeke their owne ease. Therfore they must haue such payment as they deserue. But how soeuer the worlde go, S. Paule declareth that suche as wilfully become brutishe, are so ouertaken by Satan and caste in such perplexitie, as they wote not what too do: bicause they consider not that such as do simply beare abrode the truthe of the Gospell, are no wauering person••••, but suche as keepe on 〈◊〉〈◊〉 pace, and passe not whither the worlde like of their doctrine or no•• but for asmuch as God hath cōmaunded them to speake, they do so.

Contrariwise, as for the nicelings which say it is good too beware, and not to cast themselues out of the Saddle, and woulde haue men to counterfeyt, and to beare two faces in one whoode: it is certain that such maner of men are not ledde with any zeale or affection to serue God, nor haue any regarde of edifycation or of the welfare of the Church: nor (to be short) haue any other care or respect, than to eschew all persecution, and too liue at their ease, so as no man might fasten vppon them. Nowe then, seeing that this is manifest ynough: it is certaine that all suche as nowadayes do keepe them∣selues so in their nest, do offende God, and are vtterly wythoute excuze. VVhy so? For Saint Paule giueth vs heere an infallible marke, which sheweth vs who bee the true seruants of God, and who bee the hyrelings whom we must eschue, that is too wit, such as seeke but to feede their bellies, and too haue their commodityes in this worlde. Herevpon he addeth, to the ende they might not suffer persecution for the Crosse of Christ. No doubt but that vnder the woorde Crosse, Saint Paule comprehendeth the whole doctrine, howbeeit with a consideration, that it is right harde for a man too preache simply and plainly the things that are conteyned in Gods worde, but that he shall haue many incounters. For although God spare vs (vs I meane which preach his worde) and will not alwayes put vs too so hard tryall, that our enemies shall haue their swordes drawne vpon vs: yet the worlde doth neuer receyue the Gospell so obediently, but that there is still some murmuring and speaking agaynst it, as is too bee seene yet still at this day, and must bee yet hereafter. For our Lorde intendeth too trie the constancie of hys faythfull ones, and therewithall to shewe the inuincible power of his worde, in ouercomming all the lettes that Satan styrreth vp a∣gaynst it:* 1.2 according too this saying of Ieremie, They shall fight a∣gaynst thee, but thou shalt get the vpper hande of them. Thus ye see that God is glorified when the world and Satan streining them∣selues to the vttermost, are not able too let the truth of his course. For this cause Saint Paule sayth, that they which be so variable, and do disguize Gods worde or falsifie it; do shunne the Crosse, that is ••••••ay, the true preaching of the Gospell, euen too eschue persecu∣tion. Now here againe we haue a verie profitable counsel. For if we

desire to serue God and his Church: wee must alwayes bee readie to receiue alarums. And although the fire bee not yet kindled, or the enemies not yet armed too make so cruell persecution as they woulde, or finally our Lorde do brydle all those that are wearie of his worde, and woulde faine shake off his yoke: yet must wee bee scorned at many mens handes, we must be diffamed, there must be murmuring and rayling agaynst vs, and we must put it vp and har∣den our selues agaynst it. Yea and wee shall see a thousand backby∣tings against such as imploy themselues faithfully, euen where the Gospell is preached. Some shall bee arreigned as felons, and some shall be indited of this and that, and yet all shall be but starke slaun∣ders. To be short, all such as minde to go through with their race, must prepare themselues too indure many temptations that might make them reele, if they were not settled in this poynt, that God must bee obeyed in spyte of the whole worlde. Marke that for one poynt. And here withall we haue also to marke, that this extendeth to the whole Church in generall. Therefore when wee heere the message of peace that is brought vs in the name of God: let vs not thinke to be in rest to the worldwarde, but too haue manie troubles and incomberances continually. And he that determineth not vpon that must needs shrinke away from our Lord Iesus Christ: for he can neuer be any of his disciples,* 1.3 according as he himself declareth with his owne mouth, that such a man is not worthie to be of his schole, and so he shetteth them all our of the doores. VVherefore let vs learne, that when we be once called to our Lorde Iesus Christ, wee must be partakers of his crosse so long as he listeth, according as it is sayde, that if we suffer with him we shall also bee glorified wyth him,* 1.4 and be made partakers of the power that is shewed in his Re∣surrection. But yet notwithstanding the sufferings which he indu∣red must first be accomplished in vs that are his members. True it is that he suffered as much as was requisite for our saluation: but yet must wee bee fashioned like too his Image, as it is sayde in the .viij. too the Romanes. Nowe whereas God spareth vs, so as wee bee not among Tyrantes that might t••••ent vs: or if the wicked ••ee not able too byte vs, but onely barke at vs: or if hee let vs 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in peace: let vs knowe that it is bycause he pityeth our feeblenesse,

and that hee spareth vs bycause hee seeth howe weake we bee. But yet for all this let vs not flatter oure selues, but praye God too strengthen vs so by his holy spirite, that whensoeuer hee shall call vs intoo the aray too fight, wee may not bee lyke freshwater soul∣dyours, but that wee maye haue mynded it a long tyme before hande, that wee muste bee made partakers of Iesus Christes suffe∣rings, too come too the glorie of his Resurrection. Nowe Sainct Paule hauing spoken after that maner, addeth for a larger confyr∣mation of his matter, that they whiche are circumcyzed, and whiche preache circumcizion, keepe not the Lawe: but onely seeke too glorie in the fleshe of those whome they bring too that Iewishe fashion. In thys Text Saint Paule dooth ageine accuse his aduersaries of double dealing and vtter hypocrisie. VVhy so? Circumcision was the marke of the same thing before the comming of our Lorde Iesus Christ, whereof Baptisme is the marke vntoo vs at this day. For the Iewes had recorde [thereby] that they were sanctified by God as his heritage. But yet for all that, they that mingled Circumcizion with the Gospell, were vtterly of opinion that the Lawe of Moyses was to be obserued, forasmuch as it was giuen of God, & that it was not at any time to be abolished. Heere then yee see that the couert which they tooke, was that Circumcizion serued for a signe of the keeping of the whole Law. But now S. Paule layeth to their charge that they kepe not the Law: and therfore they do but mock God & men in making a countenance by an outward signe, to do the thing which they do not: for it is clene cōtrarie. Now thē we see S. Paules meening. And as touching this spech of keeping the Law, it is some∣times takē for the doing or performing of all that is cōteyned in the Lawe. But no man can keepe the Lawe, that is to say, no man can discharge himselfe throughly of all things that the law cōmandeth. For it is not for nought that it is called an intollerable burthen. Also we see our owne infirmitie,* 1.5 and there God sheweth vs an angelicall rightuousnesse. How then is it possible for vs to attaine vntoo it? So then, if wee take the worde Lawe for a perfect and faultlesse o∣bedience, no man keepeth it in effect. Neuerthelesse the fayth∣•••••• beeing guided and gouerned by Gods spirite, do keepe the Law, that is to say, they walk according to the rule that is giuen thē there.

Not that they run so swiftly as they should do, nor that they attaine to the marke at the first brunt: but yet they go on still towards it, and God beareth with them, and layeth not their faultes too their charge. The faythfull then do kepe the Law. But here S. Paule spea∣keth of the Ceremoniall Lawe, howbeeit that by occasion hee had shewed heretofore, that all Gods commaundements coulde bring nought els but condemnation, except we had refuge to the grace of our lord Iesus Christ: but (as I said) here he speaketh of the ceremo∣nies & shadowes. Now let vs see what he meaneth by it. They (saith he) which are circumcized keepe not the Lawe: that is to say, they haue in deede that signe as a standarde too make men beleeue that they be Iewes, to the intent that they might not be hated nor per∣secuted: but yet for all that, they keepe not the whole Lawe: for they take leaue to despize all that shoulde bee matched with Cir∣cumcision. For he that is circumcized ought also to do sacrifize, too absteyne from the meates that are forbydden by the lawe, to keepe the dayes and feasts appoynted there, to vse the inioyned washings and purifyings, and to do diuerse other things. But these men make none account of them. VVhen they be in corners and no man sees them, they passe not what they do, neyther make they any consci∣ence at all to despize all the Ceremonies of the Lawe. Thus it ap∣peareth that they do it not for any zeale, but only in respect of men. Nowe it behoueth vs to marke, that Saint Paule speaketh heere of such as stoode vpon the sayde poynt,* 1.6 that men ought of necessitie to bee circumcized.* 1.7 For at some tymes Saint Paule had a speciall re∣garde to fashion himselfe like to the Iewes, and absteyned from the libertie which was permitted him, for eschuing of offences: but did he alwayes mainteyne that there was no bonde of necessitie in the matter. So then, when Saint Paule submitted himselfe of his owne accorde, he ment not to bring other men in bondage, according as he protesteth that he intendeth not to binde any bodie. True it is that the cace is altered when hee speaketh of mariage: but yet hee sayeth generally,* 1.8 that he will not lay any yoke of bondage vpon the soules that are redeemed by our Lorde Iesus Christ: And thus yee see howe Saint Paule behaued himselfe in that behalfe. Nowe 〈◊〉〈◊〉 sayth here, They that constreyne you to bee circumcized, that is to

say, they that lode you with the lawe, and say you must keepe that Ceremonie vnder paine of deadly sinne: seeke nothing else but too bring you in bondage without cause why. To be short, we see here whereof they be blamed which woulde subdue Christen folke too the keeping of the Ceremonies and shadowes of Moyses Lawe: that is to wit, that they were double fellowes, and passed not vppon the truth of the matter, whither God required such things or no, but had a minde to please and pleasure the worlde, and by that meanes to eschue persecution. And we nowadayes haue neede to bee war∣ned thereof, as well as the Galathians needed then. And if we looke vpon the state and disposition of our time, we shall easily perceyue that this doctrine is not needelesse, and that the holy Ghost inten∣ded to prouide for the thing whiche he knew to be for our behoofe. For what a number are to be founde nowadayes, which do strongly and stoutly mainteyne the Ceremonies of the Lawe, and yet not∣withstanding make none accounte of them? But (which is worse) they mainteyne the follies and traditions that are inuented by men, yea and euen such abuses, errours, and deceytes as are so grosse and fonde as may bee. All these things shall be mainteyned with ex∣treeme rygour, by such as will needes haue men to obey them. Like as nowadayes, if a man charge these Hypocrites that the grace of our Lorde Iesus Christ, and the brightnesse of his Gospell are dark∣ned by the great number of their obseruations, and that wee bee be∣come as good as Iewes: (for in very deed the Papists haue borowed so many things of the Lawe, that a man shall hardly discerne the difference betweene the Iewes, & them that call themselues Chri∣stians:) I say if a man doo charge them with these things: yet wyll they mainteyne to the vttermost, that men must do so still, bicause they haue bin kept time out of minde. If a man go further wyth them, and say, howe so? Yee haue so many dotages, that the verie heathen men were neuer so grosse and fonde in their superstitions as you be: O tush (say they) yet must we keepe still the traditions of our mother holy Church. And therewithall they crie, to the fire with him. But nowe what doo these Hypocrites, which moue the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of Princes and Iudges agaynst those that preach Gods worde faithfully? So long as they be among themselues, they make but a

mocke at theyr owne traditions. And when they dispute of them, they will say cleane contrarie too theyr preaching, and talking in the Pulpit. VVhereby it appeareth that there is no zeale of God, nor no soundnesse in them: but that their whole seeking is to be fedde and pampered fatte, and too liue in rest, and too haue their ease and commodities. Seing then that nowadayes there are so ma∣ny men that haue not one whitte of the feare of God, nor of the reuerence of his woorde in them, who notwithstanding pretende too bee verie zealous, and yet in verie deede doo but allure poore soules with baytes or rather (as ye woulde say) choke them: it stan∣deth vs so much the more on hande too marke well the thing that Saint Paule telleth vs heere: which is, that forasmuch as wee see that they which crie out and storme at others: do nothing at all of that which they speake of, we must stande vpon our garde, and con∣sider whereat they ame which teache vs. True it is that although the partie do cleane contrarie too that which hee sayeth, yet muste not Gods woorde therefore bee of the lesse authoritie towards vs: For it is no reason that bycause the man is wicked, therefore God shoulde bee dispossessed of his soueraine prerogatiue. And though a man leade a looce lyfe, or do some shrewde turne, yet ought not that to deface the heauenly doctrine, so he preach faythfully. Al∣though a man be mutable, fleeting and variable, or though he bee an hypocrite, and his life be not answerable to the things that hee speaketh with his mouth: the truth of Gods worde must not there∣fore be imbaced towardes vs. Neuerthelesse, I say now that when∣soeuer we see men pretend great zeale, and yet let themselues loce, and take leaue to do contrarie to their preaching: we must consider of it, and haue the discretion not too bee ledde by theyr Pype nor drawne by the noze, but to looke into theyr doctrine, and to make a good and liuely tryall of it. And when we go so to worke, we shall see that the doctrine of the Papistes is but a couert which they take to liue quiet to the worldwarde, and as for to Godwarde they care not how things go. For they would not abide any chaūges, but that they be loth to put themselues in daūger of any displeasure: for they be alwayes afrayd to bee vexed or greeued in any wise. Sith 〈◊〉〈◊〉 this: it is an infallible marke to make vs beware of all Satans ambu∣shes,

so as it shall not be possible for vs to be deceyued, except wee lyst our selues, as I haue declared before. Furthermore, Saint Paule addeth, that such men desire to glorie in the fleshe of the simple. It is very certaine that heere he hath an eye to the signe of Circumcision, as if he should say, they intende to prynt their marke vpon you, to the ende they may vaunt, VVe haue wonne them. Yea, but their win∣ning of men after that sort, is to make them so much the more de∣testable for so abusing the signe which God hath giuē them, to war∣rant the adoption which he had made with Abrahams ofspring, and for corrupting the true and lawfull vse thereof. For God had com∣maunded the Iewes to be circumcised. And why? To the ende they might see that all mankind is accursed, and that there is nothing but vncleanesse in vs, and that wee must be faine to renounce all that is of our owne nature, or else we shall neuer ceasse too bee filthie and damnable before God. Lo what the Iewes ought to haue learned by their circumcizion. Neuerthelesse, therwithal they had also a record, that by mans seede they should recouer their saluation, according as we know that we be blessed of God for our Lord Iesus Christs sake. And therefore Circumcision serued too humble the Iewes, and too make them mislyke of themselues, and to be ashamed, when they sawe there was nothing but cursednesse in their nature. That say I was the true and lawfull vse of circumcision. Nowe what do they a∣gaynst whom S. Paule speaketh? They knowe that Circumcizion is no longer in vse: that is to witte, that Baptisme suffizeth euer since the comming of our Lorde Iesus Christ: but bicause the Iewes cal∣led all them Apostates or backsliders, which were not circumcized: therefore these rascalles will needes hold still the signe without the truth [or substance.] VVe see then that they were verie falsaries, and wrested the doctrine cleane contrarie too Gods meening when he ordeyned that spirituall Sacrament, bicause their desire was no∣thing else but to please the worlde. As much is done at this day. And they that labour to ouerthrowe Gods truth, are much worse than Saint Paules aduersaries. For they had yet some cloke of honestie mainteyne Circumcizion and the figures of the Law, bicause they were al ordeyned and stablished by God. But as for these hypocrites which crie out vpō vs nowadayes with full throte, [saying] ye must

keepe the olde custome without chaunging of any thing: whereon are they grounded? They cannot say that God is Author of any of their stuffe. Men haue contriued them after their owne fancie, or rather Satan hath blowne them into their eares: so that (at a word) all that is termed Gods seruice in Poperie, is nothing else but a con∣fuzed maze: all is but dreames of mens setting forth, and the diuell is euer the cheefe Authour of them. And yet these naughtipacks say that nothing must be taken from them. And wherevnto haue they respect? Truly they will alledge that men muste purchase Gods grace by them, and that they stirre folke vp to greater deuotion. A∣gaine, they giue the title of Sacrament too all the foolish deuices of their owne heades, saying: such a thing must bee kept, for it is a Sa∣crament. But when all is iustly reckened, a man shall see that theyr intent is to please the worlde, and to mainteyne themselues stil. For they be inforced spite of their teeth to confesse, that it maketh ney∣ther here nor there as in respect of God, and that he passeth not for their kinde of seruice, but vtterly dislyketh it, bicause he will be ser∣ued with obedience. But what? There will bee horrible confusion (say they) if men cut off all after that fashion, and speake plainly of things. See I pray you, how they woulde faine disguise themselues, and in suche wise corrupt and falsifie religion, as there shoulde bee made a mingled confusion of all: or else that there shoulde no more be taken away but the grossest and fondest things, and in the meane while such Ceremonies be let alone as may be any whit sufferable. It is certaine (say I) that all they whiche speake so, desire nothing else but to haue fayre winde and weather to the worldwarde. Seing it is so: let vs take warning at the holy Ghostes hande to flee suche plagues: And although we cannot triumph in this worlde, although we be nothing set by, although men rayle vpon vs with opē mouth: yet let vs not ceasse too holde oure owne for Gods truth, and let it suffice vs to be allowed of the heauenly iudge, though all the world abhorre vs. Although then that we see all these things: yet let vs be pacient, and tarie till our Lorde Iesus Christ shewe himselfe to bee our warrant, and therewithall giue 〈◊〉〈◊〉 victorie in the behalfe of his truth, so that all his enemies may bee put to shame and haue they•• mouthes stopped vp.

Nowe let vs fall downe before the maiestie of our good God, with acknowledgement of our faults, praying him too touche vs with suche true repentance by his holy spirite, that beeing vtterly cast downe in ourselues, and quite & cleane rid of all presumption, we may be hartily sory for them: and that moreouer it may please him so to increase the giftes of his holy spirite in vs, as wee may no more be giuen to our flesh, and the world to be hindred and hilde downe by them, but that we may go forwarde to serue him, and in∣deuer that his name may be glorified more and more, and we beare suche a marke of his adoption, as wee may bee so confirmed with it in our selues, that other men may haue occasion to glorifie the name of this our good God for working so in vs. That it may please him to graunt this grace, not only to vs, but also to all people and nations of the earth. &c.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Iohn. 10. b. 12.
• * 1.2

  Ier. 1. d. 19.
• * 1.3

  Math. 10. d 38.
• * 1.4

  Ro. 6. a. 5.
• * 1.5

  Act. 15. b. 10
• * 1.6

  Act. 16. a. 3.
• * 1.7

  1. Co. 8. b. 6.
• * 1.8

  1. Co. 7. f. 35