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

12 I would they were also cut away.) He is carried further through displeasure: for he wisheth destruction to those deceivers, by whom the Galatians were beguiled. And he seemeth to allude unto Circumcision which they did urge. when he saith Cut of To which opinion Chrysostom inclineth: as if he should say, They rent the church for cause of circumcision. Objection. I would have them utterly cut off▪ But such an ill wish seemeth finally to agree with Apostolic kindness. for it is to be wished that all may be saved: and than it is not to be wished that any man should perish. I answer, Answer. that that is true while we respect the men. for the salvation of all without exception is commended to us of God: even as Christ hath suffered for the sins of the whole world. but it happeneth sometimes that godly minds are carried beyond the consideration of men: namely while they behold the glory of God, & the kingdom of Christ. For so much as the glory of God is more excellent than the salvation of men, so much more deeply ought it to ravish us to love him and serve him. so cometh it to pass that the faithful being bent to set forth the glory of God, do forget the world ⟨p. 124⟩and men: and therefore had they rather the whole world were lost, than any jot of God his glory should be diminished. But let us remember that that desire springeth hereof, for that they being turned away from the consideration of men, have their minds fixed upon God alone. Therefore he may not be condemned of cruelty, as though he strain against charity. Further, if we compare the (whole) Church with one man, or with a few men, how far more wayeth the Church? That is cruel pity which preferreth one man before the whole church: I see upon one side the flock of the Lord which is in danger: on the other side I see a Woolf, by the setting on of Satan, in devouring: ought not the regard I have to the Church so swallow up my whole cogitations, that I should desire the safety of the church to be purchased through the destruction of the Woolf? And yet by this means I would not have any man boast: but the love and care for the church, violently carieth me as it were out of my self, so that I regard (and care for) nothing else. There is no man than that shall be a true pastor of the church, who burneth not with the like zeal.

12 I would they were also cut away.) Hee is caried furder through displeasure: for he wisheth destruction to those deceauers, by whom the Galathians were beguiled. And he seemeth to allude vnto Circumcision which they did vrge. when he saith Cut of To whiche opinyon Chrisostome enclineth: as if hee should say, They rent the church for cause of circumcision. Obiection. I would haue them vtterly cut off But such an ill wishe seemeth finally to agree with Apostolike kindnesse. for it is to be wished that all may be saued: and than it is not to be wished that anye man should perish. I aunswere, Answer. that that is true while wee respect the men. for the saluation of all without exception is commended to vs of God: euen as Christ hath suffered for the sins of the whole worlde. but it happeneth sometimes that godlye myndes are caried beyonde the consideration of men: namely while they beholde the glory of God, & the kingdome of Christ. For so much as the glory of God is more excellent than the saluation of men, so much more deepely ought it to rauishe vs to loue him and serue him. so commeth it to passe that the faythfull being bent to set forth the glory of God, do forget the world