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

15. Brethren, I speak after the manner of men. Although it be but a mans Testament, [yet] if it be proved, no man breaketh it, or putteth [aught] to it. 16. Now the promises were spoken to Abraham and his seed. He saith not, and to the seeds as speaking of many, but as of one, and in thy seed, which is Christ. 17. This is it that I say, as touching the covenant that was confirmed before by God in Christ: the ⟨image 171⟩law which came four hundred and thirty years after, cannot impeach or abolish the promise. 11. For if the inheritance come by the law, then cometh it not of promise: but God gave it to Abraham by promise.

15. Brethrē, I speake after the maner of men. Although it be but a mans Testament, [yet] if it be proued, no man breaketh it, or putteth [aught] to it. 16. Novv the promises vvere spoken to Abraham and his seede. He sayth not, and to the seedes as speaking of manie, but as of one, and in thy seede, vvhiche is Christe. 17. This is it that I say, as touching the couenant that vvas confirmed before by God in Christe: the ⟨image 171⟩lavv vvhich came foure hundred and thirtie yeeres after, cannot impeach or abolish the promis. 11. For if the inheritāce come by the lavv, then commeth it not of promis: but God gaue it to Abraham by promis.

IT were great shame for us if God should bear no more sway with us than mortal creatures. For what comparison is there betwixt his majesty, and the state of men which are but a fading shadow? And yet notwithstanding it is an ordinary matter with men too prefer themselves before God: which is so ugly a thing, that if the Sun were matched with the darkness of hell, it were not so great a confusion, as to exalt men above him to whom all honour belongeth. But howsoever the case stand, it is a vice (as I said) which hath evermore reigned and still reigneth at this day too much in the world. For look what man speaketh, it shall straightways be believed: and if folk be loth to do it of their own good will, yet must they be fain to hold them to it in all matters that are allowed by law. Behold, God speaketh, yea and that right substantially, so as he overslippeth not any thing that may give credit and assuredness to his word: and yet notwithstanding we be always in a mammering, or else we fall to flat reasoning against him. Must it not needs be then that we be out of our wits, when we diminish Gods authority after that fashion, and yield more credit to creatures than to him that made both heaven and earth with his only word, and maintaineth all things by the same? That is the cause why S. Paul in this text useth this preface: I speak (saith he) after the manner of men. For if he had said no more but this: Covenants shall be kept here below without breaking or repealing, and therefore needs must Gods promise be everlasting: that had bin true, but yet had he spoken too coldly of Gods majesty, in ranging him so in array among earthly creatures. But whereas he saith that he speaketh after the manner of