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

This concerneth properly the Ceremonies, or else we must take it too be spoken of the Law with all his appurtenances, ⟨image 181⟩circumstances and appendants as men term them. If we take the Law for no more but the ten commandments, the thing that S. Paul speaketh will not stand. For the law must even at this day have such force with us, as to be our rule of good life, and to show us Gods will, that we may not live like vagabonds, and gad abroad at aladuenture, but have our way plain before us. The law then is not transitory in respect of showing us what is good, for it must continue to the worlds end. But we must mark Saint Pauls discourse: for he taketh the law, as containing the promises and threatenings,¹ and also the Ceremonies. Then on the one side there is [this promise,]² he that doth these things shall live in them, as we have seen heretofore. And on the other side there is this threat, cursed is he that fulfilleth not all that is contained here. Now the law (as we see) promiseth salvation to none but such as live purely and uncorruptly: but all of us come short of that, and therefore the promise of the law is to no purpose. Mark that for one point. If it be alleged, what Sirra? Meant God too mock men? I say, no: but they have always beguiled themselves with vainglory and presumption, bearing themselves in hand that they could purchase their own salvation: and therefore God is fain too say unto them, Go to, if ye be so able men as ye think, show it: as for me, I give you my Law, and because you shall not think your selves ill dealt with for your serving of me, your wages is ready for you if you perform it. Behold, I assure you of everlasting life out of hand: now let me see a little what you can do, bustle your selves to your work. But when men have tried the uttermost that is in them, surely they shall perceive their own weakness which was hidden afore. Thus ye see that the promise of the Law can have none effect towards us, and yet it is not guileful, for it serveth us to another end. As touching the threats of it, it is infallible, for we be all damned by this threatening, Cursed is he that performeth not all. But we come so far short of performing all, that there is not one point but we fail of it. If we think too serve God by halves, it is nothing: