Notes, Critical and Explanatory, on the Holy Scriptures

The Galatians, being Gentiles, had not been subject to the Mosaic law, but they had been enslaved to superstition. The apostle exhorts them not to subject themselves to the Jewish ceremonial, which was a yoke of bondage. " In saying : 'Be not again,' he does not suppose that the Galatians had previously observed the law, but he intimates that idolatry was a heavy yoke. By undertaking to observe stated times, to be circumcised, and to oifer animal sacrifices, they in a measure returned to the same observances to which they had been devoted when idolaters. For they say that the Egyptian priests, and the Ismaelites and Madianites were circumcised ; and we know, alas ! too well that the Gentiles observed days, months, and years." St. Jerome.

The voluntary adoption of this rite implied the obligation to observe the whole legal ceremonial.

Forfeited the grace already received. The amissibility of grace is here plainly declared.

The object of hope, the glory of heaven, of which justice is the pledge. "Faith," says St. Chrysostom, "is sufficient to impart to us the Spirit, and through it justice, and many and great blessings."

To carnal views or affections. " On hearing the name of liberty, do not imagine that you can sin with impunity." St. Augustin.

Let our conduct be conformable to our profession. Let us act under the guidance of the Spirit, who is the source of our spiritual life.