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

Thus ye see why Saint Paul had yet more just reason too say, that the Galatians were carried away from Jesus Christ and from his father. But there was yet this clog more: namely that they were made too believe what other men listed, and thereby brought in subjection too a slavish bondage, too be robbed of the quietness of conscience which we ought too have in our Lord Jesus Christ. For besides that we be reconciled by the sacrifice of his death and passion, we be also set free from the rigour of the law, under the which we were held in bondage. As for example (according as we shall see more fully hereafter, for as now I do but overrun matters whereof we shall see a larger discourse afterward.)¹ Ye know how it is said in the law, that whosoever performeth not all that God commandeth to the uttermost point, shall be accursed. But it is impossible for us to attain too such perfection. Therefore it stood us upon too have freedom purchased for us by our Lord Jesus Christ, that the Lord might not any more hold us under his yoke,² which was intolerable as it is ⟨p. 20⟩said in the fifteenth of the Acts. Now we see in effect why Saint Paul blameth the Galatians for falling away like perjured persons towards God, and towards our Lord Jesus Christ, as having given him the slip, and forsaken the faith which they had plighted unto him. And by this example we be warned to hold us to the pure doctrine and simplicity of the Gospel, without wavering one way or other. For it is not enough to have the name and title of Christians, no nor yet to bear the mark of baptism: but we must continue steadfast in the doctrine of the Gospel. For (as I have said heretofore) our Lord Jesus Christ cannot deny himself: and when we have dreamed this and that of him, yet must we be fain to know him for such a one as he is given us of God his father. Now the Gospel showeth wherefore he is come, what his office is, the benefits that we receive by him, and what his power is towards us. And therefore if we have not the pure and single doctrine, wherein our Lord Jesus Christ was manifested unto us: surely we have nothing at all: and whensoever we have once bin instructed in it, we must hold it still too the last push. For if we swerve never so little from it, there will be nothing but unfaithfulness in us.