A commentary of M. I. Calvin upon the Epistle to the GalatiansA commentarie of M. I. Caluine vpon the Epistle to the Galathians

21 Is the Law than.) Although, after we know the assuredness and constancy of Gods purpose, it be needful that we should withal determine, that those things which come from him are not contrary one to another: yet this doubt was to be resolved, for the appearance of contrariety which seemed between the Law and the covenant of grace. It may also be an exclamation whereby Paul, having taken away the doubt of speaking against it, might, as though he had overcome in the ⟨p. 76⟩cause, exclaim, inferring of that which went afore, as a matter out of doubt, Who now dare feign disagreement between the law and the promises? And yet this is no impediment, but that Paul in this place may proceed to resolve the difficulties which as yet might come in place. Before he answer to the question, he doeth after his manner take out of the way so great an absurdity, that he might warn men how greatly Godly ears ought to abhor, whatsoever is despitefully spoken against GOD. But herein is another conning skill which is expedient to be noted▪ for he accuseth the adversaries of this crime, that they make GOD contrary to himself. For it is manifest that the Law and the promises came from him▪ whosoever therefore shall bring in any contrariety to be between them, is a blasphemer against GOD▪ but they are contrary if the law do justify. And so very fitly doth Paul return against the adversaries, that which falsely and slanderously they intended against him. For if there were a Law given.) The answer is indirect (as they say) which as yet doth not plainly declare the agreement of the law and the promises: and yet it doeth contain it as far forth as is sufficient to take away the disagreement. At the first blush you would say that this sentence were clean cam from the Text: and that it were nothing worth to the solving of the question: but it is not so. for than the law were against the promises, if it had power to justify. for there should be two contrary reasons or means of justifying man, and as it were two ways to obtain righteousness disagreeing between themselves. And Paul taketh this from the law. so then the disagreement is taken away. I, saith he, would grant righteousness to be gotten by the law, if salvation might therein be found.

21 Is the Law than.) Although, after we knowe the assurednesse and constancie of Gods purpose, it bee needefull that wee should withall determine, that those thinges whiche come from him are not contrary one to another: yet this doubt was to be resolued, for the apparaunce of contrarietie whiche seemed betweene the Law and the couenaunt of grace. It maye also bee an exclamation whereby Paule, hauing taken away the doubt of speaking against it, might, as though he had ouercome in the