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

The Heathen men did in deed pray unto God, howbeit, that was but at all adventure, not knowing whither they should be herd or no. But our prayer must be grounded upon faith.¹ And Saint Pauls saying shall always be true: namely that we cannot pray unto God, except we first ⟨p. 188⟩know and understand his good will towards us. Therefore it must needs follow that they which lived under the Law, were fully assured in their consciences that God accepteth them for his children. Howbeit this was showed them as ye would say but with half face, so that they prayed being wrapped in many shadows and figures, which taught them grossly. It is true that they offered not themselves without faith (for then had it booted them very little,) and that it stood them on hand to over come all the lets that were set before their eyes: but yet were they not able too call upon God with the full certainty which is communicated too us under the Gospel.² And this is yet better expressed in the eight too the Romans, where Saint Paul sayeth that we have not now received the spirit of fearfulness and bondage, but the spirit of boldness, so as we be able too cry Abba, father. And by the contrary member he enlighteneth the matter that might be darksome in this Text by reason of the shortness of it. For he setteth down the spirit of bondage, because the Law was given with great terribleness, and the old fathers were driven too feel that they were held in awe under it and had not yet the liberty that is purchased us in these days by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. They were as little children: who although their fathers travel for them, know not what is laid up for them. For although their fathers love them: yet must the rod be walking now and then, and they stand always in awe. And because they have no discretion to govern themselves, they know not how their fathers will deal with them. Even so was it in the time of the Law: There was a kind of fearfulness, in so much that they which were Gods children, were yet under the strait bondage afore said.³

The Heathen menne did in deede pray vntoo God, howbeeit, that was but at all aduenture, not knowing whither they should bee herd or no. But our prayer muste bee grounded vppon fayth.