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 on the other side, we have too mark (as we shall see more fully in due time and place) that there was never yet any man so perfect, but there was always much to be blamed in him. Therefore we have to conclude, that the Jews could not be so well taken and accepted at Gods hand, but that they had need of his mercy, and that their salvation must needs be grounded wholly upon the forgiveness of their sins. Also as in respect of Ceremonies, they bare themselves on hand that there was great holiness in them, ⟨image 115⟩as whereof hypocrites have always made their cloak. But howsoever they fared, it is certain that the Jews were more damnable than all other men. And why? For (as Saint Paul saith) without the law sin doth not upbraid men:¹ insomuch that men fall asleep and flatter themselves in their vices, when they have not that Sumner to city them before Gods judgement seat. Then whereas the wretched Gentiles might have some defence and excuse, at least wise that they be not so guilty before God: the Jews in offering their sacrifices had it witnessed too their face, that all of them were worthy of eternal death, and so consequently double guilty in comparison of the Gentiles. And therefore in the second to the Colossians S. Paul useth this similitude,² that the Ceremonies of the law were as evidences to bind a man the more. Truly like as although a debtor be not condemned by order of law, nor have bound himself before a notary nor given assurance in writing under his hand and seal: yet ceaseth he not for all that, to be bound [in conscience] too pay his debt: even so although the Gentiles had not any authentical matter of record whereby to be condemned: yet ceased they not too be still worthy of death. But as for the man that hath passed bonds by order of law, and entered his debt in the common records: what shall he say more? There is no shift for him: he must be fain too answer [the debt] out of hand. Now the Jews were in the like plight. For their washing of themselves when they went into the Temple, and in their own houses, and every where else, was a confessing that there was nothing but uncleanness in them. Again, when they killed the beasts, and saw them slain before them, surely the same was as a lively picture of their own death and cursed state.