20. The cross, therefore, by itself as giving nothing but shame to nature, a ill not do for popular preachers; yet it is the Christian's only stay. For " as many as desire to make a fair show in the flesh they constrain you to be circumcised; only lest they should suffer persecution for the cross of Christ. For neither they themselves who are circumcised keep the law; but desire to have you circumcised, that they may glory in your flesh. But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.... As many as walk according to this rule, peace be on them." (Chap. 6:14-16.) As though he had said, Now observe, ye Galatians, if we Jews had to leave the law, that we might get justification at the foot of the cross, and there also find power over the evil which was in us (see chap. 2) such is my preaching everywhere (chap. 5)-such is my individual experience; and there is no blessing whatever for any of you in any other way. And those who teach another way are false teachers, and teach what, though it may give them occasion to glory in your flesh, will not give you power over the world.
I would press every one to ask themselves this question, Is what I hear preached as the gospel, and on which I rest for acceptance, the cross of Christ, in itself and by itself, received simply by faith? and that it leads to victory over the flesh and world through justification given to the poor sinner, before he begins to work.