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

4 Let every man try.) Paul hath already bruised mans pride with a very sore blow: but because it falleth out for the most part thereby that while we confer our selves with others, we make valuation of our selves according to their base estimation: he saith here there is no place for such comparison. Let no man, sayeth he, measure himself by another mans freedom, nor like of himself therefore, because he more misliketh other than himself. but leaving the view of other, let him search his own conscience: and consider what his own work is. That is true praise, not which we get us by backbiting others: but which we have without comparison. Some think it is an Ironia as though Paul should say, Thou flatterest thy self because of other mens faults: but if thou look upon thy self who thou art, than shall thou have the praise that longs to thee, that is none at all: because there is no man that deserveth a drop of praise. Afterward they expound that which followeth Every man shall carry his own burden, as thus, Is accustomed to bear. &c. But the sense hangeth together better without any figure. for the words sound thus, As concerning thee self alone, thou shalt have praise, not by comparing thee self by others. I know why the Ironia liketh them, namely because the Apostle in the next sentence hath brought to nothing all the glory of men. But Paul in this place speaketh of the boasting of a good conscience, which the Lord granteth unto his, and whereof Paul rejoiceth Acts. 23.1. and that is nothing else but a recknowledging of the grace of God, which in no wise doth make a man proud, but stirreth him to glorify God. Such an occasion of praise do the Godly find in themselves, which they ascribe, not to their merits, but to the goodness of God. This is our boasting, saith he, 2. Corin. 1.12. the testimony of a good conscience, that we have faithfully been conversant. &c. And Christ sayeth, Enter into thy Chamber, do well before thy father in secrete, and thy Father which is in secrete shall reward thee, Math. 6.7. Although to speak properly he affirmeth nothing, but teacheth that this shall be a legitimate and firm praise, if every one be valued according to that which he is himself, and not as another man is. It is then a conditional speech:

4 Let euery man trie.) Paule hath alreadye brused mans pride with a very sore blow: but because it falleth out for the most parte thereby that while we conferre our selues with others, we make valuation of our selues according to their base estimation: he sayth here there is no place for such comparison. Let no man, sayeth he, measure himselfe by another mans freedome, nor like of himselfe therefore, because hee more misliketh other than himself. but leauing the view of other, let him search his owne conscience: and consider what his owne worke is. That is true prayse, not which we get vs by backbiting others: but which we haue without comparison. Some thinke it is an Ironia as though Paule should say, Thou flatterest thy selfe because of other mens faultes: but if thou looke vpon thy selfe who thou art, than shall thou haue the prayse that longes to thee, that is none at all: because there is no man that deserueth a drop of prayse. Afterwarde they expounde that whiche followeth Euery man shall carrie his owne burthen, as thus, Is accustomed to beare. &c. But the sence hangeth together better without any figure. for the wordes sounde thus, As concerning thee selfe alone, thou shalt haue prayse, not by comparing thee self by others. I know why the Ironia liketh them, namely because the Apostle in the next sentence hath broughte to nothing all the glory of men. But Paule in this place speaketh of the boasting of a good conscience, which the Lord graunteth vnto his, and whereof Paule reioyceth