Cap. I.

how true this promise is: "I am with you always, even unto the end of the age." Likewise: "I have appointed you that you should bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain."

Secondly, let listeners know that it is profitable for them that one does not gratify them. Just as a sick person might want water at every moment, but those who attend him do not wish to gratify him, because they would destroy him.

II But I make known to you, brethren, that the Gospel which was preached by me is not according to man.

The second, most firm argument: why one ought to hold as certain the Gospel preached by him, namely, because it proceeded not from men, but from God: because it is that very thing which Christ confirmed with His own blood, and which they learned from Christ Himself from heaven through revelation.

The first observation: In order for our faith to be certain, and of such a kind that it overcomes the world, it is necessary that we know the promise or the word is not of men, but of Christ Himself: because we have this command from heaven regarding Him: "Hear Him." (Matthew 17:5 original: "Matth. tertio & decimo septimo"). If, therefore, you hear your conscience accusing you, much more hear this Christ: "Come to me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, etc." It is not a wonder that the certainty of the Gospel is so inculcated by the Apostle, because we are full of doubts, and the very law that attacks us is innate within us: and ten sentences from the Law will sooner occur to an afflicted conscience than one firm consolation from the Gospel. Therefore, hear this Son. He was sent to heal the contrite in heart. Then note the testimony of Christ's Divinity, when he says, "It is not according to man," etc.