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

but that when they were referred too their due end and spiritual pattern, then it was perceived that God had not ordained them, but to the benefit of the Church. Then let Jesus Christ be separated from the Ceremonies, and they shall be but trifles for little children to play with. But if the end be considered whereunto they ought too lead the faithful, then will it be found that they were profitable. Yea and even we at this day may fare the better by them. Although the use of them be abolished, yet may we by them gather the things that are showed us in the Gospel. As how?¹ It was said that the Priest should enter alone into the Sanctuary, and not without sacrifice. Well then, thereupon we have to gather,² that there is neither man nor Angel worthy too come unto God, but that we should be all of us shut out, if there were not a way opened for us in the person of our lord Jesus Christ. Mark that for one point. Again we have also to bear in mind, that we can have none atonement with God, nor boldness and liberty to call upon him, except blood go with it: that is too say, except the death and passion of our Lord Jesus Christ [go with us] to get us grace and favour. And all our prayers must be offered up by that mean, or else they shall be refused at Gods had. Moreover it is said,³ that the book of the law was sprinkled with blood as well as the Sanctuary.⁴ We see then that all things should be unholy, if they were not hallowed by the blood of our Lord Jesus Christ on all sides▪ and also that we should have no assuredness of Gods promises, nor be able to apply them to our welfare, unless they had seals continually at them. Besides this, when as it is said ⟨p. 73⟩that God is our father, and that our sins are forgiven us and we accepted of him as righteous and guiltless: none of these promises should be of any force, neither could they boot us at all, except the blood of our Lord Jesus Christ went before our eyes, so as all the word of God were (after a sort) written unto us in red letters of the blood of our Lord Jesus Christ. Thus ye see how we should profit our selves by the Ceremonies of the law. But howsoever we fare, the use of them is abolished, and if they continued still, we should not have so good teaching by them as we have, for we should rest upon these base and corruptible things.