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

¶ The fyrst Sermon vpon the fyrst Chapter. (Book 1)

PAule an Apostle, not from men, nor by men, but by Iesus Christ, and by God the father, vvhich hath raysed him from the dead,

2. And all the brethern that are vvith me, to the Chur∣ches of Galatia:

3. Grace be vvith you and peace from God the father, and [from] our Lorde Iesus Chryst,

4. VVho gaue himselfe for our sins, to deliuer vs from this euill vvorlde, according to the vvill of God our father.

5. To vvhom be glorie for euermore, Amen.

NOT WITHOVT cause doth S. Peter so earnestly warne vs to watch against our eni∣mie who goeth about like a roring Lyon,* 1.1 with his mouth alway open to swallow vp the pray that the fyndeth. For although that on the one syde our Lord Iesus Chryst assure vs,* 1.2 that God his father hath giuen him the charge of vs, and that the thyng which he hath in his keeping shall neuer perishe: yet doth it not follow that we shoulde therfore fall asleepe, and in the meane whyle haue no care to call vpon God, considering the need that wee haue to do so. For fayth doth in suche wyse assure vs of Gods goodnesse, and that the same shal neuer fayle vs, that yet ne∣uerthelesse we must haue an eye to our owne frayltie, and thereby bee stirred vp too pray God to giue vs inuincible constancie.* 1.3 It is sayd, that faith shall always get the vpper hand of the whole world: but yet it foloweth not that we shall not haue battayle. Now, on our owne side we haue no strength at all: but we must be fayne to bo∣rowe it elsewhere: and that we may so do, it standeth vs in hande to pray vnto God. For as I haue sayde alreadie, it lyeth vs vpon to

be stirred therevnto, by reason of the great neede that we haue of it. And therefore here is a myrrour offered vnto all the faythfull, whereby wee maye fare much the better, if wee can put it too our vse. For Saint Paule had preached through all the countrey of Galatia, which is a meetly large countrey, and there had reered ma∣ny Churches. If euer man were filled with all the giftes of Gods spirite too winne men too the Gospell: wee bee sure that S. Paule excelled all others, or at leastwise all that were of his companie. And it is certaine that he discharged his duetie. Yet notwithstan∣ding hee had scarcely so soone turned his backe, but by and by Sa∣tan gaue a push to ouerthrow all, and too make a horrible hauocke in the whole countrey: and hee wonne so great a multitude there, that the Gospell was as good as quite abolished, euen among those that had bin taught so faythfully. Sith wee see such an example, ought wee not too cast downe our eyes, and too consider that God warneth vs too flee vntoo him, and to pray him so too strengthen vs, as wee may holde out too the ende? VVhich thing we cannot doo, except wee bee vphilde by him. Ye see then that the faultes which Saint Paule bewrayeth heere in the people of Galatia, must serue for our learning. For it is all one as if God shoulde in theyr person shewe what our constancie woulde bee, if hee gaue vs it not.

Although then that wee haue bin faythfully instructed in the Gospell: yet must God bee fayne too woorke from day too day, or else wee shall bee so fickle minded, that wee shall bee caryed away by and by, and for euerie little occasion. Furthermore (as I haue fayde alreadie) Satan is a dreadfull enimie. And therefore it is not for vs too bee negligent, seeing hee lyeth alwayes in wayte for vs, seeking on all sides to inuade vs, and that if hee spie neuer so little a hole, by and by he taketh hys aduauntage too enter: It shall not seeme that there is any gappe open for him, and yet wee may bee taken tardie before wee bee aware. VVherefore let vs marke well the warning that God giueth vs in this text, and let vs make our aduauntage of it. And on the other side wee see howe the Di∣uell hath at all tymes serued his owne turne with the name of God, and made thereof a false cloke too disguize the truth, and

too turne it into a lie, or else too sowe some discorde, that by little and little the Gospell might quite fade away. The Apostles (as they that were chosen by our Lorde Iesus Christ too beare abrode his Gospell, and to preach it through the whole worlde) were well woorthie too haue bin reuerenced euerie where, and to haue bin of such renowme and authoritie, as the things that proceeded from them should haue bin [throughly] receyued. For their calling was lawfull: it was [well] knowne that they did not thrust in them∣selues of their owne heades, but that the sonne of God had chosen and appoynted them by his owne mouth, yea and made them as it were new creatures: being sillie soules and ignorant folke, they were so chaunged, as it appeared well that their doctrine came al∣togither of heauenly myracle. For they had not learned ought but in Gods schole: and he had in one instant of time so indued them with his grace and power, that they became as instruments of the holy Ghost. Yet notwithstanding, the Diuell missed not too abuse their name and tytle, too bring store of troubles and stumbling blockes into the Church▪ For such as went in their companie, made their brags when they came in far countrys, that they had bin fami∣liarly conuersant with them: and yet for all that, some of them were ful of vainglorie & pride, & sought nothing but their own aduance∣ment. Othersome were selfwilled, and could away with nothing but that which they had seene in the Citie of Ierusalem, and in the land of Iewrie: and they would haue had the whole world subiect to their Iure, and therwithal would haue turned al things vpside down as they say. Others were led yet with a more wicked minde, so as they sought nothing else but to ouerthrow all that S. Paul had buil∣ded. And all these (as I sayd afore) boasted that they had not learned any thing of him, but that they had bin taught their doctrine by the Apostles themselues. Thus yee see howe Sathan hath alwayes defaced Gods glorie, euen vnder the shadow of the gracious giftes which hee had bestowed vpon his creatures. And in good sooth, we see how that vnder the names of the Apostles, and of the virgin Marie, the Idolatrie is the same at this day in the Popedom, which it was among the Painims vnder the names of their fals gods: for ther is nothing changed, but only the names of thē. As for the superstitiō,

it is as filthie and detestable in the Popedome, as euer it was among the Heathen.

Heere therefore wee bee warned to bee wise, to the intent that if the Diuell abuse Gods name, wee may bee able to resist him, and to discerne what authoritie men ought to haue, and therewithall not to be ouerhastie of beleefe, nor ouer easie to be moued and shaken with euerie winde. For if wee haue not the constancie to walke in the doctrine that hath bin deliuered to vs, when wee bee once fully resolued that it is Gods pure truth: it will happen to vs as it did too the people of Galatia. Yee see then that the thing which wee haue too beare in minde, is in effect, that when God hath giuen vs the grace too vnderstande his woorde, wee must alwayes go forwarde in it, and not be shaken lyke Reedes, nor caryed too and fro, nor led vp and downe like little babes: but wee must haue the witte and dis∣cretion, to sticke to the thing which wee knowe too bee offered vs of God. Marke that for one poynt. But by the way, forasmuch as wee cannot haue such power in our selues: let vs pray with all low∣linesse and earnestnesse vnto God, too reforme vs by his holy spirit, and too giue vs such stedfastnesse as wee may neuer swarue aside, and that when we see all things turned vpside downe in this worlde, yet notwithstanding, this foundation may abide sure, namely that forso∣much as God which cannot lie hath spoken to vs, and shewed vs his will: we may safely stande thervpon without turning any way from it. Howbeit forsomuch as the Diuell hath many cunning knacks too thrust vs out of the way, yea and that (as I haue earst sayd) he will not sticke to abuse Gods name to winde himselfe in, and to get some ac∣cesse to vs: it behoueth vs to vnderstand that our reuerencing of men must be in such wise, as God may in the mean season continue vnim∣peached, and that our Lord may haue the whole maystrie ouer vs to himselfe, as hee that is the teacher of the Church: and that our fayth depend not, neither vpon mens knowledge, nor vpon any reputation that we haue of their wisdome, power, or holinesse: but that our Lord Iesus may alwayes haue the preeminence for vs to rest and settle our selues vpon. For if our fayth be not grounded vpon Gods pure truth, which is vnvariable: certeinly it will be but a loasing. This is the thing that wee haue too gather of the example that is sette downe heere

concerning the Galathians. But by the way a man might thinke it straunge, why Sainct Paule shoulde deale so roughly with them as wee shall see hereafter, considering that the case stoode not vppon the open denying of God and the renouncing of the Gospell, nor vpon the blaspheming of our Lord Iesus Christ, or the setting forth of any notorious idolatrie: but vpon the ceremonies of the Lawe. For they against whom sainct Paule striueth in this Epistle, main∣teined none other thing, but that the ceremonies of Moyses lawe were to be kept, and that men were bounde to them vnder peyne of deadly sinne. Now, at the first blushe it myght be sayd that their cace was fauourable in that behalfe. For the cace stoode not wyth them as it doth with the Pope, who during his tyrannie hath for∣ged many lawes, and commanded this and that, bringing poore sou∣les into bondage: but their saying was, that inasmuche as the lawe was not of men, but of God: therfore it was to bee kept. Heereby it should seeme, that S. Paule had no cause to be so moued agaynst that opinion, although it were not altogether sound and good. A∣geyne, there is yet an other reason: namely that wee muste not make so muche a doe about outward things, as whether one day is to bee obserued more than an other, or whether Swines flesh be not to be eaten as wel as mutton. For whether a man obserue any cere∣monies, or whether he obserue none, as for example, If he forbeare the eating of Swines flesh, or do any other like thing: is his so doing an vtter forsaking of christianitie? No Yet notwithstanding, that is all the quarell that S. Paule hath: yea and thervpon he crieth out, that the Galathians are backsliders, that they haue forsakē our Lord Iesus Chryst, and that they are become renegates. Some man wold say, he vseth ouermuche vehemencie: but herein wee be still war∣ned, that the diuell will now and then finde small trifles to draw vs from the Gospell ere we be aware, and therfore it behoueth vs to be so muche the better aduised: for of our selues we shal not be so, but must in verie deede bee fayne to be gouerned by God.* 1.4 And not without cause also is the spirit of wysedome fathered vpon him, to the intent wee should seeke it in him. Therfore let vs resort thy∣ther: and if any man goe about to bring in a thing that seemeth not to bee of any great importance, let vs bethynke vs what a tayle it

myght drawe after it. And for proofe heereof, when wee be once turned from the simplicitie of the Gospell, wee shall become like whooremongers: according as wee haue seene in the last Epistle, howe Saint Paule sayth expressely,* 1.5 that the Diuell vseth Bawdes trickes and Ruffian trickes, when hee commeth too turne vs from the doctrine of the Gospell. Hee will alwayes make some goodly and fayre protestation, like as when a Ruffian intendeth to deceiue a yong wife or a mayde, hee will not vse any lewde termes or kna∣uerie, for hee knoweth that shee woulde abhorre them: but hee will marke by little and little howe hee may infect hir with hys deadly poyson. Euen so playeth the Diuell in that behalfe. For if he should shewe his hornes (as they say) at the first dash, and shewe himselfe openly too bee Gods enimie: euerie man woulde shunne him, and we would abhorre him. But hee windeth himselfe slily in, and creepeth in at small cranies, so as wee shall woonder that he coulde preuayle with vs in sundrie things, and wee shall still beare our selues in hande, that wee ceasse not to holde with Iesus Christ and his Church. And yet for all that wee shall bee turned away, and in the ende wee shall perceyue our selues too bee quite cutte off. Therefore when we reade this example, that the Diuell had mar∣red and corrupted the Churches whereof mention is made heere, [and that,] vnder the shadowe of the Ceremonies of Moyses lawe: let vs bethinke our selues the better, and stande stiffely without turning asyde by any meanes from the simplicitie of the Gospell. Furthermore seeing hee hath stryued and disputed about the Cere∣monies of the lawe: let vs looke well aboute vs too profite our selues by all that is heere conteyned, and let vs stande continually vpon our garde, that wee may finde out the craftes and wyles of Satan. And whensoeuer hee shall go about too vndermine vs, let vs looke well too our businesse, and stande alwayes too that which wee haue learned, so as we may be out of all doubt, that wee shall not finde any thing in the doctrine of the Gospell, which is not the pure woorde of God. For (as I sayde) that is the thing wherevpon our fayth must bee grounded. And if any man will adde neuer so little too it, let vs not onely suspect it, but also abhorre it: for when there is such a mingle mangle made with Gods pure truth,

it can be nothing else but corruption. Now let vs come to the or∣der which Saint Paule keepeth in handling the doctrine which wee shall see poynt by poynt. That hee may bee the better heard and also receyued, he confirmeth his owne authoritie, which some men had gone about too impeache. For beholde, the pollicie of those dogges that incountered agaynst him, was too alledge that the A∣postles taught otherwise than hee did. Nowe forasmuch as Saint Paule had not bin conuersant wyth our Lorde Iesus Christ while hee lyued in this worlde: it was supposed at the fyrst, that the A∣postles were a degree aboue him, and ought to be preferred before him. And on the other syde they inquired who had put him in that place, as though hee had thrust himselfe in, and had done it ra∣ther of rashnesse than otherwise. Saint Paule therefore was fayne too set himselfe agaynst all this geere, and too shewe that hee was truely sente of God. Furthermore (as I sayde earst) the Diuell stirred vp others, who comming from Ierusalem, sayd that that was the mother Church, and the holinesse of all Christendome: and they pretended too bee zeelous setters foorth of the purenesse of the Gospell. By reason whereof, it behoued Saint Paule too go for∣warde in shewing that hee had not aduaunced himselfe, nor taken any thing vpon him of his owne heade, but had obeyed the calling of God, and of our Lorde Iesus Christ, who had made him his A∣postle. Yea and hee compareth himselfe with Iohn and Iames and Peter,* 1.6 who were (as men termed them) the pillers of the Church, and so taken to be among all men, shewing that hee was no whitte inferiour to them. And why [doth hee so] To the ende his doc∣trine might be receyued: for that is the marke that he amed at. Af∣terwarde when he hath prepared the Galathians too receyue obe∣diently the warnings that he giueth them: thē he debateth the mat∣ter which was at that time in controuersie, and sheweth that the Gospell is beaten downe, if we haue not the freedom which is pur∣chased for vs by the bloud of our Lorde Iesus Christ: which is, that the ceremonies of the law should not holde vs any more in subiec∣tion or awe. For (as we shall see hereafter) if such subiection should be admitted, all the frute of our redemption and of the saluation which is purchased for vs by the sonne of God, should go to wreck.

But nowe let vs come to the order that S. Paule keepeth for the mayntenance of his authoritie. He sayth, that he is an Apostle, not on mennes behalfe, nor by man, but by Iesus Christe, and by God the father, which hath raysed him from the dead. Fyrste of all, we haue to marke here, that Saincte Paule, to the intente too bee receyued, groun∣deth himselfe vppon the ordinaunce and appoyntment of God. For surely no man ought to take vppon hym anye honoure in the Churche,* 1.7 saue he that is called, as I haue declared alreadie. Besides that, our fayth should be verie feeble, if it should bee settled vpon men, howe great excellencie or worthinesse soeuer were in them: yea thoughe they were perfecter than Angells, yet were that no∣thing: our fayth is so precious a iewell, as it muste rest altoogether vpon God and his truthe. Seing it is so, if a man intend to be heard, it must not be alledged, that he is wittie and skilfull, or that he hath seene and hearde muche, and is a man of great experience: al those things are but smoake, when it commeth too the leadyng of vs too the kingdome of Heauen. For there the matter standeth not vpon profounde witte, and high and exquisite knowledge: all those things are but the sleyghts of Satan: Ageyne, wee knowe howe it is fayde generally of all mannes wysedome,* 1.8 that it is but stark fol∣lie, yea and that God laugheth it to scorne, and abhorreth it, bicause it turneth vs away from the obeying of him. Therefore whenso∣euer the cace concerneth the teachyng of vs, all thyngs that bee∣long too man, or too anye creature, muste be layde a water, that there maye bee a well ordered gouernemente in the Church, and suche a one as God alloweth. For if men aduaunce themselues in that cace, God is thereby plucked backe, and in the ende there wyll bee nothyng but vtter confusion.

So muche the more then behooueth it vs too marke well what S. Paule sheweth vs heere, in that hee doth not alleadge or bryng any thyng of his owne for the stablishyng of his authoritie, but holdeth hymselfe wholly too Gods callyng. Marke that for one poynt. And herewithall wee haue too note, that Sainct Paule boa∣sted not hym selfe at all aduentures, as manye harebraynes doo. For they coulde fynd in theyr hearts to preache with ful mouth, that God hath sente them, when as notwithstandyng they bee but

fantasticall fellowes, and Satans very Champion, seruing to ouer∣throwe all. But by the way, S. Paule in protesting his calling, mente also to shewe by whome [he was called,] as wee haue seene here before. And it was sufficiently knowen, that he had bene conuerted by miracle to the Gospel, that he had bin taught vpon the suddaine, that God had by his meanes wrought after a straunge and vnaccu∣stomed fashiō, and not only that it had bin openly reueled vnto two or three men in the Citie of Antioche that S. Paule was appoynted too be the Apostle of the Gentiles, but also that he had good war∣rant of it in all places where he came, bycause God vttered his power most manifestly in him. So then when as S. Paule told them that he was an Apostle, he presupposed that it was already suffici∣ently iustified, that God was the author of that office of his, and that the thing which he pretended, was not a false surmize, after the ma∣ner of men, whome we see too much subiect too vaunting of them∣selues. Therfore we must put a difference betweene S. Paule, and all such as falsly boaste and brag themselues too bee sent of God, as the Pope dothe, who too beguile the wretched world, and to main∣tayne himselfe in his hellish tyrannie, which he hath vsurped, sayeth and ouersayeth that he is the vicar of Iesus Christe, and the succes∣sour of his Apostles. And all the cankerwormes of his Clergie who name themselues Prelates, togither with all the horned beastes and all the rable of Maskers in the Popedome, will needes chalenge that honorable title: and (if a man list too beleeue them vpon their single worde) they bee all of them descended of the Apostles. But yet for all that, it behoueth vs to consider what likenesse and agre∣ablenesse they haue too the Apostles: and also it standeth them on hand too shewe by certaine and infallible record, that their calling is approued of God. In these dayes the Pope and all his, are too opē∣ly proued too haue falsified and corrupted the doctrine of the Go∣spell, and that the thing which they terme the seruis of God, is no∣thing but starke abhomination: and moreouer, that there is nothing among them, but outrageous lies and falsehodes, yea and inchaunt∣ments of Satan. All this is knowen well inough. But beholde, their shield wherwith they cast the mist that couereth al their filthinesse, is that there hath bin a continuall succession, euer since the tyme

of the Apostles, and that they represent thē and are the Church, and therfore that whatsoeuer they put foorth must bee taken for good. VVell, gooto, if they which do nowadayes take that title vpon them will be herd: they must looke whither they haue any resemblance of the Apostles, and whither they execute the duetie of good and faithful shepeherds. But seing they be cleane contrary to the order which our Lord Iesus Christ hath set in his Church, what shall men say to them? Yea (say they) but we haue a continuall succession from the Apostles. That would be shewed firste of all. They will alledge some recordes, howbeit very triflyng ones. Yet notwithstanding, it may be sayd on the cōtrary part, that there were as good successors in the Church of Galatia, as euer there was in Rome: and not only in some one Churche, but in many, as well of Ephesus, of Colossus, and of Philippos, as of other places. And where is all this succession now? If any man thinke himself to haue any priuiledge, and name himself S. Paules successour: it were meete he should go preach the Gospell, and therwithall shew good euidence why he should be re∣reyued. Therfore let vs marke well at a worde, that when there are men to preach the Gospel, and when there are Shepeherds and O∣uerseers, it is not ment that they should diminish the authoritie of God, or preiudice aught that belongeth to him, that is to wit, that he alonly should not be honored, & that our fayth should not rest vpō his word: but that by the meanes of men, we should alwayes be hild vnder his obeysance. Marke that for a speciall poynt. And aboue all things our Lord reserueth that right to himselfe: namely that men should not thrust themselues in through their own presumption, but that they should be raised vp & sent by him. Now therfore (as I haue erst sayd) there ought to be cause why, too the end we may discerne and not beleeue at all aduenture, nor at randon. For Satans cham∣pions can boast and crake ynough and too much, and stand in their owne conceyt to the vttermost, to the intent to wind themselues in by their presumptuousnesse. But it behooueth vs to trie what is in them, that we may be sure of Gods calling. And how doth S. Paule speake of it heere? Not on the behalfe of men (sayth he) nor by men. VVhen S. Paule sayeth that he is an Apostle, not on the behalfe of men: it is a generall poynt which ought too extend to all the mi∣nisters

of Gods woord, and too all Shepeherds of the Churche. For (as I haue sayd heretofore) wheras it pleased God that there should bee Prophetes in old tyme, and that afterward there shoulde bee shepeherdes too teach his people: he bereft not himself of his so∣ueraintie: but rather it was too shewe, that men must not gouerne heere after their owne lust, and in the meane whyle bee but as Cy∣phers in Algorisme themselues, sauing onely for maynteyning still the title, but that vvee should all of vs giue eare vnto him, so as the men whom he setteth in office, should bee as instrumentes or ves∣sels of his holy spirite. Now then wee see whereat S. Paule amed, when he sayd that he was not sent on the behalfe of men: for ther∣by he sheweth that he was authorized of God, and that he was his seruant. The second poynt where he sayeth that he was not sent by men, belongeth peculiarly too the Apostles. For although that wee bee called of God, and that he allow of vs: yet are wee ne∣uerthelesse called of men: and if that maner of calling were not agreeable too Gods will, S. Paule would not haue vsed it. Wee knowe how Sainct Paule proceeded in that cace, namely how that in euery place where he came, he ordeyned Ministers and Shepe∣herdes by election: and no doubte but that doyng of his was law∣full. Then let vs marke well, that Sainct Paule dothe not vndis∣cretely heere condemne such as were called by mens meanes: but onely treateth of the thing that was peculiar too the charge of an Apostle. For that was the difference betweene the Apostles, and such as had charge of particular Churches: according whervn∣to the same state remayneth at this day, and shall remayne to the worldes end. For the Apostles were not chozen by election of men, nor by the common policie of the Church: but by the very mouth of the Sonne of God.* 1.9 In somuch that when it behoued the Apo∣stles too put another successor in the roome of Iudas, too make vp the full number of twelue againe: although they themselues were there present, and a greate multitude of Disciples with them: yet durst they not make any election. VVhen there was any choozing of a Shepeherde for the Churche of Ierusalem, or of Antioche, or of any other people, this fashyon was vsed: that is too say, firste they prayed snto God, and therevppon choze suche a man

as was found meete and conuenient for that office. But as for the other, they referred it wholly too the will of God, and caste lottes for it, as for a thing that passed their witte. The cause (as I sayd) was, for that it behoued the Apostles too bee chozen by speciall priui∣ledge from aboue, bycause they were the persones by whome the Gospell was too bee published ouer the whole world. Nowe as for S. Paule, he was chozen afterwarde. But howsoeuer it was, he had equall priuiledge with the residue, bycause there came a reuelation from heauen, too shewe that he was admitted too the executing of that office:* 1.10 he was rapted vp intoo the third heauen, and wee haue seene that he was well lyked of in all things. Finally, that it might appeare too bee Gods will too giue him a larger commission, and too haue marked him out for the Apostle of the Gentyles: he had the holy Ghoste immediatly, whiche spake and vttered the woorde from aboue. Yee see then that S. Paule was not chozen by meanes of men. And yet notwithstanding, this maner of choozing (as I sayd afore) is no faulte in those that are Shepeherdes and Ministers of the Churche. But it was requisite that S. Paule should bee priuiled∣ged, too the intent he might bee comparable with Peter and Iohn, and with all those that had bin conuersant and kept companie with the sonne of God, while he dwelled in this worlde, and was in this mortall lyfe. Now wee see in effect whereat S. Paule amed. And hereby wee bee taught, that the reuerence whiche wee owe too such as carie abrode Gods woorde and beare the name of Shepe∣herdes, serueth not too barre God from beyng herd continually, nor to barre our Lord Iesus Christe from being the onely Schoole∣mayster of the Churche. It behoueth vs too beare this schoole point well in minde, or else our fayth will alwayes bee subiect too many varieties, and he that is cunningest among men, shall euer go away with the gole: and so shall wee haue nothing certaine, but we shall be still chaungyng from day too day, yea euen euery minute of an howre. VVherfore let vs marke well, that if men alledge the names of the Churche, of Prelates, or of Bishoppes: wee muste alwayes come backe too this poynt, that they cannot climbe any higher than too be the seruants of Iesus Christe, and to bee allowed of him. And how shall we know that they be allowed of him? First if they haue

bin chozen by lawfull order, with calling vppon the name of God. And secondly if suche be chozen as are meete, that haue in them wherewith to execute their office. Lo heere the markes whereby we may know and be well assured, that they be suche Shepeherdes as God alloweth and accepteth. And herewithall it is not ynough for a man too be called too that vocation: but he must also execute the charge that is committed too him, according as S. Paule sayeth not singly that he was ordeyned an Apostle: but in taking that name too him, he sheweth that he is sent to beare abroade the mes∣sage of saluation, and too preache the Gospell too the world. Ther∣fore they that wilbe taken for Bishops and Prelates, must teach: and if they be Idolles and dumbe dogges, it is certaine that as they doo shamefully mocke Gods name and abuse his maiestie, so also men may reiect them and despize them, yea and that they ought too be hild as accursed, bicause they pretend Gods name falsly. Thus yee see what we haue to marke vpon this streyne. Now S. Paule sayeth purposely, that ••e was sent of Iesus Christe, and of God his father who rayzed him from the dead. VVhereas he sayeth that he was sente of Iesus Christe, it is too bring vs backe too the thing whiche I haue touched already: that is to wit, that if we couet too obey God and to be subiect to him, wee muste imbrace our Lord Iesus Christ, and giue eare vnto him as too the only schoolemayster: and both great and small must submit themselues to him and too his doctrine: for he that honoreth not the Sonne, honoreth no•• the father, as it is sayd in the fifth of Iohn.* 1.11 And this is well woorthie too be marked: for euery man will needes be thought to honour God, and to desire nothing so muche as too hold himselfe vnder his yoke. But in the meanewhyle, we see that the worlde fighteth against the Gospell, and noman can willingly finde in his hart to yeeld too it. VVhen it commeth to the poynt that Iesus Christ calleth vs to him, euery of vs playes the rebell: we be so wilde that he cannot tame vs: wher∣by our faythlesnesse is to playnly proued, and we shewe ourselues to despize God, how goodly protestatiōs soeuer we haue made be∣fore. For he sendeth vs back to his Sonne,* 1.12 & willeth vs to stoupe to him to doo him homage. Yet notwithstanding, as wee see and as ex∣perience sheweth too much, euery man would shrinke away from

subiection too our Lord Iesus Christe. S. Paule therefore sheweth what a maiestie there is in Iesus Christe: that is too wit, that wee ought too tremble at his woorde, and to hold our peace when soe∣uer he speaketh, and too receyue without any gainsaying, whatsoe∣uer he teacheth, or procedeth from him. And without that, it is cer∣taine that God reiecteth all the protestations that wee can make of our desirousnesse too serue and honour him. Thus are wee exhor∣ted in this streyne, to giue our selues wholly ouer vnto our Lorde Iesus Christ, seyng he is our [only] Shepeherd, thereby to shew that wee be his true sheepe, and that wee herken too his voyce, and dis∣cerne it from the voyce of straungers. Now seyng that God shew∣eth himself in suche wise vnto vs, as wee know that our Lorde Ie∣sus Christ calleth vs too him: let euery of vs follow him, and shew that wee be of his flocke in deede. Thus yee see what we haue too beare in minde. Howbeit for asmuch as there is such vnthankful∣nesse in a great number, that they cannot finde in their hartes too submit themselues euen too the Sonne of God: Sainct Paule doth heere set downe the name of God the father as an Ouerplus. True it is that the whole fulnesse of the Godhead dwelleth in Iesus Christe,* 1.13 and cursed bee he that seeketh any other God. But yet for all that, for asmuch as our Lorde Iesus Christe appeared vntoo vs in the shape of man, and was conuersant in this world, and there despized yea and abaced euen too a most shamefull death, wherein he receyued all the curses that were due vnto vs: therefore it is sayd that if wee giue not eare too the Sonne of God, the father is preiudiced therby, accordyng also as our Lord Iesus himself decla∣reth in that he sayeth,* 1.14 He that despizeth you despizeth mee, and he that reiecteth mee reiecteth the liuing God that sent mee. Marke then whervnto the order tendeth which S. Paule keepeth: namely that if we do not willingly honour our Lord Iesus Christ, by accep∣ting his doctrine for certain and infallible: God is set at naught, and we cannot say that our intent is too woorship him, for he will reiect all our doyngs. And why? For (as I sayd afore) it is ynough too proue vs rebelles, if wee separate the Sonne from his Father. And S. Paule addeth expresly, that Iesus Christe was rayzed from the dead, too the end that his Apostleship should not be the lesse estee∣med,

and also that men should match him with the number & com∣panie of the other Apostles, according also as he was added too them after that Iesus Christe ceassed too bee any more vpon earth. For (as I haue touched already) the thing wherwith the false Apo∣stles which came too ouerthrowe all vpbrayded him, was this: How now [sayd they]? He hath not bin the Disciple of the Sonne of God as Peter and Iohn were: he is a thing borne out of seazon. And how cā he shew that he hath receyued his doctrine of Iesus Christ? S. Paule declareth that if they will needes inquyre of the authori∣tie of our Lord Iesus Christe, his ryzing againe ought not too haue diminished it. Surely though our Lord Iesus Christ were brought lowe whyle he had the veyle of mans nature vppon him, whereby his glory was after a sorte hidden: yet was he not abaced in him∣selfe.* 1.15 For wee knowe that the Angelles acknowledged him for their souerayne king, and although he were [borne] in a stable and layd vpon the ground as a creature destitute of all help: yet we see that the Starres of the skie bare record of him.* 1.16 To bee short, the maiestie of our Lord Iesus Christe was alwayes sufficiently auou∣ched, as long as he was in this world. But yet for all that, there was a muche excellenter glory in his resurrection, accordyng as it is sayd in the first too the Romanes,* 1.17 that then he was shewed too bee the Sonne of God. And wee also haue seene in the second Epistle to the Corinthians,* 1.18 that as he suffered vnder weakenesse of the fleshe, so he was rayzed againe through the wonderfull power of Gods spirite. So then, S. Paule sheweth, that although our Lorde Iesus Christ bee not conuersant with vs nowadayes, yet muste not his Maiestie therefore bee diminished nor defaced, that we should not yeelde him his due and deserued obedience, and receyue his woorde reuerently without all gaynesaying. This warning is ve∣rie behooffull for vs. For what a number of lightheaded per∣sones doo wee see, which woulde haue Iesus Christe too be heere in visible shape? Their saying is, that they would fayne see Iesus Christ conuersant heere beneathe, and that [then] they would at the first push accept what soeuer he spake to thē, so as there should neede but one woord of his mouth to rauish them, and there should neede none other teaching, nor any other man to be much with vs.

Yea, but the Sonne of God which came downe, hath performed his charge whiche was committed to him of God his father: that is to say, he hath preached the Gospell, and sufficiently confirmed it by his death and passion. Afterward beyng rizen againe, he sent foorth his Apostles. And nowe that he hath all soueraine dominion, so as the Angelles bow their knees before him, and that he hath suche a maiestie as surmounteth all glory both in heauen and earth: ought not all that which he hath done, to suffize vs throughly? VVhen it pleaseth him too send vs mortall men, and too send forth the mes∣sage and inestimable treasure of his Gospell in brittle vesselles, and yet notwithstanding will haue vs to receyue them: is it not a moc∣kerie to say, that if Iesus Christ were with vs and in our companie, we would obey him? For if heauen and earth muste bee fayne too quake vnder him, and his Maiestie bee knowen euen to the Diuels of hell: and yet for all that, wee continue blockish, and pretend that he is to farre of from vs: yet notwithstanding our Lord Iesus shew∣eth sufficiently that he hath not forsaken vs, seing we haue the Go∣spell preached vnto vs: And that although he dwell not with vs here by lowe in visible shape, yet notwithstanding we shalbee conti∣nually ioyned with him, and that forasmuche as he is our head, hee will gouerne his bodie, and there shalbe one vnseparable bond be∣twixt him and vs. Now seing it is so, we ought of right to yeeld him obedience, and his resurrection ought to touch vs to the quicke, & to worke suche a reuerent awefulnesse in vs, that whensoeuer the name of our Lord Iesus Christe is spoken of,* 1.19 we may be sure that it is the name whereof the Prophet speaketh, wherby all men ought to sweare, and whereat they ought to bow their knees. Thus ye see in effect that the thing which we haue to beare in minde, is, that we should not measure the Gospell after the respect and reputation of those that speake vnto vs, for why, they be frayle men. Nother is that the thing whereon we ought to stay: for that were as muche too say, as we should settle our saluation vpon the credite of men, which might cause vs too rest vppon the world: but wee must vn∣derstand, that it is Iesus Christ which speaketh. And howe? In the Maiestie that is giuen him by God his father: for the power of the holy Ghost was then shewed too the full, when he was raysed from

the dead. Then seyng our Lord Iesus Christ hath obteyned such au∣thoritie when he was lifted vp into heauen, as too haue superioritie ouer all creatures: let vs learne too submit our selues too him, and let the same serue to hold vs in awe, that his woord may be recey∣ued of vs, and we assure ourselues that he gouerneth vs, and that it becommeth vs too suffer our selues too be taught in his name, and [too vnderstand] that although the woorde which is preached vnto vs proceede out of the mouth of men, yet notwithstanding it is by the authoritie of God, & our saluation must be grounded thervpon, as well as though heauen opened an hundred thousand tymes too shew vs the glory of God. Lo (say I) how it behoueth vs to be taught in this world, vntill God haue gathered vs into his euerlasting heri∣tage. And that is the thing which we haue to beare in minde, con∣cernyng that the glorie of our Lorde Iesus Christe is expresly set downe in this place.

Now let vs fal downe before the Maiestie of our good God with acknowledgment of our faultes, praying him to voutchsafe to make vs too feele them, that he may draw vs too repentance the better, and that we may alwayes hope that if we be once renewed by him, we shall throughly perceyue that it is he which ruleth vs by his ho∣ly spirit, so as hauing that record imprinted in our hartes, wee may boast without hipocrisie that we be not tied to this world although we bee in it, and that wee dwell in it but as pilgrims and straungers, bycause we haue a better dwelling place in heauen, where our heri∣tage is throughly assured vnto vs by fayth, although wee possesse it not presently. That it may please him to graunt this grace, not only to vs but also to all people and nacions of the earth, &c.

Notes

• * 1.1

  1. Pet. 5. c. 8.
• * 1.2

  Iohn. 17. c. 12.
• * 1.3

  1. Iohn. 5. a. 4.
• * 1.4

  Esay. 11. a. 2
• * 1.5

  2. Ca. 11. a. 3
• * 1.6

  Gal. 2. d. 9.
• * 1.7

  Heb. 5. a. 4.
• * 1.8

  1. Co. 1. c. 20
• * 1.9

  Act. 1. d. 24
• * 1.10

  2. Cor. 12. a. 2.
• * 1.11

  Iohn. 5. d. 23.
• * 1.12

  Psal. 2. b. 12.
• * 1.13

  Coloss. 1. c. 29. & 2. b. 9.
• * 1.14

  Luke. 10. c. 16.
• * 1.15

  Luk. 2. b. 13.
• * 1.16

  Mat. 2. b. 2.
• * 1.17

  Rom. 1. a. 4
• * 1.18

  2. Cor. 4. d. 14.
• * 1.19

  Esa. 65. c. 16