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 how soever they fared, the pattern that was showed unto Moses in the mount was heavenly. Then were there two things in all the Ceremonies of the Law. For when men washed them selves at their entering into the Temple, when they offered the Sacrifices, when they used lights and perfumes, and when the Priest clothed him self with his special apparel: all those things (as in respect of the outward show) ⟨image 139⟩might well be called fleshly and temporal: but (as in respect of their end) they were spiritual. But what did the Jews? They gazed upon the figures, without considering wherefore God had ordained them, and bare them selves in hand, that they had very well discharged their duty, in coming to Church, and in doing the things that were commanded them outwardly. But truly they disguised God after their own fancy, as he himself mocketh them for it by his Prophets,¹ saying that he dwelleth not in houses made with mens hands, and that the very heaven is not able too comprehend his majesty, which is infinite. Furthermore the Papists at this day, thinking it not enough to abuse the things that are contained in Gods law, have so put too piece after piece, as there is none end at all of their folly: and yet notwithstanding they entitle them to be the service of God. But whatsoever they say, they be nothing else than ingling tricks and masking toys. But now let us come to that which is spoken here. S. Paul compareth the spirit with the flesh. What meaneth he by the spirit? All the doctrine which God setteth forth too us in his Gospel. For there is a spiritual guiding, so as we be no more held under the old shadows as the Jews were. Ye see then that God in these days revealeth him self fully unto us, and having beaten down and disannulled all the shadows of the Law, showeth us that he will have us to come right forth unto him, and not have any thing remain to hold us back here beneath any more. Under the law only the Priest preached near unto God, and all the people kept them selves a far off. But we have our Lord Jesus Christ, who is our Priest, by whom the way is opened us in his blood, to make us to come unto God his father, as the Apostle speaketh of him in the Epistle to the Hebrews.²

But howe soeuer they fared, the patterne that was shewed vnto Moyses in the mount was heauenly. Then were there two things in all the Ceremonies of the Lawe. For when men washed them selues at their entring into the Temple, when they offered the Sacrifices, when they vsed lightes and perfumes, and when the Priest clothed him selfe with his speciall apparell: all those things (as in respecte of the outwarde shewe)