Sermons of M. John Calvin upon the Epistle of Saint Paul to the GalatiansSermons of M. Iohn Caluine vpon the Epistle of Saincte Paule to the Galathians

Paul speaketh of the Ceremonial Law, howbeit that by occasion he had showed heretofore, that all Gods commandments could bring nought else but condemnation, except we had refuge to the grace of our lord Jesus Christ: but (as I said) here he speaketh of the ceremonies & shadows. Now let us see what he meaneth by it. They (saith he) which are circumcised keep not the Law: that is to say, they have in deed that sign as a standard too make men believe that they be Jews, to the intent that they might not be hated nor persecuted: but yet for all that, they keep not the whole Law: for they take leave to despise all that should be matched with Circumcision. For he that is circumcised ought also to do sacrifice, too abstain from the meats that are forbidden by the law, to keep the days and feasts appointed there, to use the enjoined washings and purifyings, and to do diverse other things. But these men make none account of them. When they be in corners and no man sees them, they pass not what they do, neither make they any conscience at all to despise all the Ceremonies of the Law. Thus it appeareth that they do it not for any zeal, but only in respect of men. Now it behoveth us to mark, that Saint Paul speaketh here of such as stood upon the said point,¹ that men ought of necessity to be circumcised.² For at some times Saint Paul had a special regard to fashion himself like to the Jews, and abstained from the liberty which was permitted him, for eschewing of offences: but did he always maintain that there was no bond of necessity in the matter. So then, when Saint Paul submitted himself of his own accord, he meant not to bring other men in bondage, according as he protesteth that he intendeth not to bind any body. True it is that the case is altered when he speaketh of marriage: but yet he sayeth generally,³ that he will not lay any yoke of bondage upon the souls that are redeemed by our Lord Jesus Christ: And thus ye see how Saint Paul behaved himself in that behalf. Now […] saith here, They that constrain you to be circumcised, that is to ⟨p. 319⟩say, they that lode you with the law, and say you must keep that Ceremony under pain of deadly sin: seek nothing else but too bring you in bondage without cause why.