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

17 The flesh covereth against.) He putteth them in mind of the difficulty, to the end they may know that they cannot spiritually overcome without contending. the difficulty riseth hereof, that our disposition resisteth the spirit. For under the name of Flesh, I have said in the Epistle to the Romans, that there is meant the nature of man. for where as the Sophisters restrain it to the inferior senses, as they call them, it is refelled by many places, and the contrary taketh away all the doubt. For the Spirit signifieth a reformed nature, or the grace of regeneration. What thing else than is the Flesh but the old man? When as therefore the whole nature of man is rebellious and stubborn against the spirit of God, we must earnestly strive, and enforce our selves to be obedient to the spirit. Wherefore we must begin with denying our selves. Here may we see with what title the Lord setteth out our dispositions & nature, namely that it agreeth no better with that which is right, than fire ⟨p. 129⟩doth with water. Now what drop of goodness shall be found in free will? except, may hap, that be called good which is contrary to the Spirit of God. This is that whereof he speaketh Rom. 87. that all the thoughts of the flesh are enmities against God. So that ye cannot do.) This, without doubt, belongeth to the regenerate. For they that are carnal have no fight with evil lusts, they have no right desire whereby they may come unto the righteousness of God. And Paul speaketh unto the faithful: therefore this same You will, is not to be understanded of the inclination of nature, but of the holy affections, which God by his grace doth inspire into us. Paul therefore declareth, that the faithful. how much soever they strive, yet that they cannot wrestle so long and so far, during the time they be in this life, that they can obey God perfectly. They wish, truly, and they desire. but the full effect followeth not. which argument is more largely discoursed. Rom. 7.15.

17 The flesh couereth against.) He putteth thē in minde of the difficulty, to the end they may know that they cannot spiritually ouercome without contending. the difficultie riseth hereof, that our disposition resisteth the spirite. For vnder the name of Flesh, I haue sayd in the Epistle to the Romanes, that there is meant the nature of man. for where as the Sophisters restraine it to the inferiour sences, as they call them, it is refelled by many places, and the contrarye taketh awaye all the doubte. For the Spirite signifieth a refourmed nature, or the grace of regeneration. What thing else than is the Flesh but the olde man? When as therefore the whole nature of man is rebellious and stubborne against the spirite of God, wee must earnestlye striue, and enforce our selues to be obediēt to the spirite. Wherfore we must begin with denying our selues. Here maye wee see with what title the Lord setteth out our dispositions & nature, namely that it agreeth no better with that which is righte, than fire