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

Therefore let us mark well how S. Paul passeth not what Peters opinion is in this behalf, but dealeth with the matter it self, to the end that all cloaking might be taken away from such as did shut the Gospel out of doors, besides that they did also rend the Church asunder as we saw this morning. Howbeit forasmuch as it is a matter that cannot be [fully] discoursed in a day [or twain,] no nor in four: we must take the things in order as they lie, to the end we may know why S. Paul strove so sharply for the abolishing of Ceremonies. For the case concerneth the salvation of our Souls, and it is the chief point that we must learn in gods school, next after the glorifying of him, ⟨image 101⟩For if we fall too comparisons, it is certain that the serving of God doth always go in order and degree before the salvation of our souls. True it is that they be things inseparable: for God showeth his infinite love which he beareth us, in this that never any thing serveth too his glory, but that the same is immediately fit and profitable for our salvation. Howbeit forasmuch as God hath loved us so greatly, and continueth still his favour towards us: we on our side are bound unto him, both too forget our selves and to give selves wholly unto him. But how soever we fare, we see here the two grounds of all our Religion: namely too know how God ought too be honoured and served, and also how we may so offer our selves before him, as he may accept us and avow us for his children, and we hold him for our father, and by that means be fully assured of our salvation. And these two points are contained in the discourse that S. Paul handleth here. For the case is, after what manner God will be served: according as the chief sacrifice that he demandeth, is the confession of humility: I say humility: not by making demure countenances, but by being touched with such remorse, as we suffer our selves too be utterly condemned before God, and all the trust of our own works and merits be thrust under foot. Mark that for one point. And more over, when God commanded the Ceremonies, it was not for that he passed upon these outward things: but for that he aimed at another end:

Therfore let vs marke wel how S. Paule passeth not what Peters opiniō is in this behalf, but dealeth with the matter it self, to the end that all cloking might be taken away frō such as did shet the Gospel out of dores, besides that they did also rende the Church asunder as we saw this morning. Howbeit for asmuch as it is a matter that cānot be [fully] discoursed in a day [or twayne,] no nor in fower: we must take the things in order as they lie, to the end we may know why S. Paule stroue so sharply for the abolishing of Ceremonies. For the cace concerneth the saluation of our Soules, and it is the chief point that we must learne in gods schole, next after the glorifying of him,