The commentaries of M. John Calvin upon the Acts of the Apostles, faithfully translated…The commentaries of M. Iohn Caluin vpon the Actes of the Apostles, faithfully translated…

Moreover, it were not any hard matter to satisfy the moral law, if it were content with corporal obedience only, and did not require spiritual righteousness. For it is granted to many to bridle their hands and feet: but to moderate all the affections so, that there may reign perfect abstinence and purity as well in the soul as in the body, this is too hard a matter. Therefore those be too foolish who restrain unto ceremonies Peters words, whereby the weakness of men to perform the righteousness of the heart is expressed: which doeth not only far pass their strength, but is altogether contrary to nature, These men were I warrant you deceived by one reason, because the question was moved concerning ceremonies only: but they do remember that Peter ⟨p. 362⟩did more attentively and more wisely consider as became him, what a labyrinth this error (to look to, but light) did bring with it. The false Apostles did avouch that no man could attain unto salvation unless he did keep the ceremonies. If mans salvation be tied to works, it shall be no longer grounded in the grace of Christ, and so by this means free reconciliation shall fall flat to the ground. Now seeing that mans strength is unable to keep the law, all men are subject to the curse, which the Lord there denounceth against the transgressors, and so by this means all men shall come in danger of despair, seeing that they see themselves guilty of eternal death by the law. Peradventure the false apostles understood these things craftily. But Peter pierceth the very fountain, that he may bring to light the deadly poison of that doctrine: and thus must we do, so often as Satan doth craftily thrust in wicked errors. At this day we seem to some to be too contentious, when as we do so stoutly stand in this, that men must not pray for the dead. For it is both a most ancient custom, neither is it a thing to look to, very dangerous, though men pour out superfluous prayers: yet it is a plausible opinion, because it carrieth some colour of humane godliness.

Moreouer, it were not any hard matter to satisfie the morall law, if it were content with corporal obedience only, and did not require spirituall righteousnesse. For it is graunted to many to bridle their handes and feete: but to moderate all the affections so, that there may reigne perfect abstinence and puritie as well in the soule as in the bodie, this is too hard a matter. Therfore those be too foolish who restrain vnto ceremonies Peters woordes, whereby the weaknesse of men to perfourme the righteousnesse of the hearte is expressed: which doeth not onely farre passe their strength, but is altogeather contrary to nature, These men were I warraunt you deceiued by one reason, because the question was moued concerning ceremonies only: but they do remember that Peter