Calvin Institutes on the church:

“I will begin with the Church, into whose bosom God is pleased to collect his

children, not only that by her aid and ministry they may be nourished so long as they

are babes and children, but may also be guided by her maternal care until they grow

up to manhood, and, finally, attain to the perfection of faith. What God has thus

joined, let not man put asunder (Mark 10:9): to those to whom he is a Father, the

Church must also be a mother." [4.1.1]