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

19 Whereto then serveth the Law? It was added because of transgression, till the seed came too ⟨p. 156⟩whom the promise was made: and it was ordained by Angels in the hand of a Mediator. 20. Now a Mediator is not of one, but God is one.

19 VVheretoo then serueth the Lavve? It vvas added bycause of transgression, till the seede came too ⟨p. 156⟩vvhom the promis vvas made: and it vvas ordeyned by Angelles in the hand of a Mediator. 20. Novv a Mediator is not of one, but God is one.

We have seen heretofore, that before the giving of the Law, God had already showed his goodness, yea even his free goodness in the linage of Abraham, too the end that the Jews should not have any other leaningstocke for their salvation, than the said promise that God would have pity upon them and show them mercy, in sending them a Redeemer, by whom they should obtain forgiveness of their sins. Hereupon S. Paul inferreth, that the law which came after the promise, must not disannul that which God had already ordained and concluded: howbeit that in the mean while it might seem that the law was added too help the promise, as though the promise had bin weak of it self. For after the same manner doth the Apostle reason in the Epistle to the Hebrews:¹ and because it is said by the Prophet Jeremiah, that God will give a new law, that is too wit the Gospel: the Apostle inferreth, that then it must needs follow that the law which was given by Moses was weak and had no such perfection in it as a man might trust unto. It may well seem at the first blush, that a man might say as much on the contrary part: namely that forasmuch as the law was given after the promise, it was done for some accomplishment because the promise was not sufficient of it self, unless it borrowed perfection else where, for otherwise the law might seem too be needless. But it were against all reason that God should have given a needless doctrine. Therefore it standeth us on hand too know too what purpose the law serveth, and too what end it was given, or else we shall always be of opinion that the promise was unsufficient, and could not save us but in part. Hereupon S. Paul declareth, that God in giving of his law had a far other meaning and intent, than they imagine which seek their righteousness in it, and make it the means of their salvation. For it was given (sayeth he)