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

And yet could not the brute beasts nor the shedding of their blood set them clear: nor likewise the water, which is a corruptible element, and cannot come at the soul. So then, the washing which they used had bin a fond thing, if it had not directed them to the spiritual washing which we have in our Lord Jesus Christ. Likewise in baptism at these days, if we think our selves to be made clean by the water: what an abuse is it? All these things must serve to lead us to the blood of our Lord Jesus Christ. Wherefore I conclude, that whereas the Jews were exercised ⟨p. 95⟩in the law, the same was a greater evidence against them, and bound them straightlier to subjection unto Gods judgement, and eternal death, than the Gentiles were. And so we see how Jesus Christ was not a bringer in of sin, but a discoverer of sin. For the Jews thought themselves well shrouded under the Ceremonies, and made a shield of them to fence themselves from gods displeasure, esteeming all other Nations unholy, upon opinion that there was nothing but uncleanness in all the world besides, and that all holiness was in themselves. Lo what their bravery was. Yea, but when Jesus Christ came and put them in order: he showed them that they should be fain too show other men by their own example, that their salvation was too be sought elsewhere than in their own merits, and that it behoved them to come to him with such humility, as too confess that they on their part brought nothing with them but utter cursedness. And by that means our Lord Jesus Christ discovered the mischief that had bin hidden before, like as diseased persons shall oftentimes not perceive the festering of some sore that will breed some deadly disease, till the Surgeon find it out, who cannot do his duty in curing it, till he have searched the sore to the bottom which was unknown before. Even so was our Lord Jesus Christ fain too bewray the wretchedness that was in the Jews, to the intent they should return unto him, and confess that they had not any thing in them worthy of Gods favour, nor any other refuge than unto his mere mercy. Thus ye see in effect what we have to consider for the solution of the question and doubt which Saint Paul putteth forth here.

And yet coulde not the brute beastes nor the shedding of their bloud set them cleare: nor likewise the water, which is a corruptible element, and cannot come at the soule. So then, the washing which they vsed had bin a fonde thing, if it had not directed them to the spirituall washing which wee haue in our Lorde Iesus Christ. Likewise in baptisme at these dayes, if we think our selues to be made cleane by the water: what an abuse is it? All these things must serue to leade vs to the bloud of our Lorde Iesus Christ. VVherefore I conclude, that whereas the Iewes were exercysed