John Calvin this a.m.

(From commentary on Matthew 16): . . . "when obstinate men are driven to the last ditch they will, to avoid being forced to assent to the truth, cover up with something irrelevant."

and

"And now we must see whose teaching the Lord bids them beware of. At that time the ordinary power in the Church was in the hands of the scribes and priests, and the Pharisees were in the chief position. Since Christ warns His disciples off their teaching in particular it follows that all those are to be rejected who mix inventions with the Word of God or impart something alien, however honorable a rank or title they may boast."