LECTƲRE LI.
For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and reioyce in Christ Iesus, and haue no confidence in the flesh.
IF now againe yee aske mee whether Cir∣cumcision be quite and vtterly so aboli∣shed as that nothing thereof remaineth? I answer that the circumcision of the flesh is quite and vtterly abolished, so that since faith came, that is, since we began to be∣leeue in Christ manifested in the flesh, iu∣stified in the spirit, and receiued vp into glory, nothing at all of that ceremonie remaineth. But euen then when the cere∣monie was in vse, both this and likewise all other ceremonies of the law had besides the ceremonie a morall vse and signifi∣cation vnto that people of the Iewes, which was farre and in∣comparably more accepted with God then was the ceremonie it selfe whatsoeuer it was. This we may plainely see and per∣ceiue by those manifold increpations so often vsed in the wri∣tings of the Prophets, when obseruing the ceremonie com∣manded, the Iewes neglected that morall vse thereof which they should especially haue regarded.* 1.1 I am full (saith the Lord) of the burnt offering of rammes, and of the fat of fed beasts; and I desire not the bloud of bullockes, nor of lambes, nor of goates. Bring no mo oblations in vaine,* 1.2 incense is an abomination to me &c. Againe,* 1.3 in another place he saith, I hate and abhorre your feast daies, and I will not smell in your solemne assemblies: though yee