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

Thus ye see why Saint Paul hath said expressly, that the law was given too continue no longer, than till the promised seed was come. Now if a man demand, how then did the fathers obtain salvation? I answer, that the law reigned and had his full ⟨image 182⟩scope as in respect of outward order before the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ: but yet for all that the fathers missed not too resort too the grace that was promised them, although they saw it not, as we shall see more plainly hereafter. Then is it a thing utterly out of all doubt, that the Law did nothing prejudice the promise, nor was added for any help of it, as though the promise had not bin sufficient of it self too salvation: but that it served too correct mens pride and presumptuousness, too the end they might with all lowliness seek the mercy that is proffered them in Jesus Christ, and by his means be able to receive it and enjoy it. And hereupon Saint Paul addeth, that the Law was ordained or delivered by the hand of Angels, and in the hand of a Mediator. Here he authoriseth the Law, too show that it ought to be received with all reverence, but yet not be applied too any other end than God hath appointed. For proof hereof he speaketh of the Angels, as if he had said that God had witnesses enow to give authority to his Law, and therewithal showed how it ought to be taken & herd. But the chiefest matter is in his setting down of the Mediator: that is to wit, our Lord Jesus Christ. True it is that many men have taken this saying to be meant of Moses, as though he had bin called the Mediator between God and men, as in respect of doctrine: but that can by no means stand. For Paul doth first set down the Angels, and afterward addeth the Mediator as chief, and he is here in higher degree than they, which cannot be verified of the person of Moses. Moreover we see what Saint Paul discourseth. He showeth that there was no diversity between the Law and the Gospel in the free promise of salvation. For the confirming thereof, he bringeth in our Lord Jesus Christ, and sayeth, that when the Law was given, it was done by his hand and direction. Truly this word Hand in the holy Scripture doth oftentimes import, force, power, or strength: but here we see how Saint Paul maketh comparison between Jesus Christ and the Angels.

Thus ye see why Saint Paule hath sayd expressely, that the lawe was giuen too continue no longer, than till the promised seede was come. Nowe if a man demaunde, howe then did the fathers obteyne saluation? I answere, that the lawe raigned and had his full