8 [4:21]Tell me, you that wish to be under the law, do you not hear the law? [4:22]For it is written, that Abraham had two sons, one by a servant woman, and the other by a free woman. [4:23]But he by the servant woman was born of the flesh, and he by the free woman, by the promise. [4:24]These things are allegorical, for those [women] are two covenants, one from Mount Sinai, bearing children for servitude, which is Hagar; [4:25]for Hagar is Mount Sinai in Arabia; and the present Jerusalem answers to her, for she is in servitude with her children. [4:26]But the Jerusalem above is free, which is the mother of us; [4:27]for it is written, Rejoice, barren woman, that did not bear, break forth and cry, woman that had no pain, for the children of the desolate are more numerous than those of her who had a husband. [4:28]But we, brothers, like Isaac, are children of the promise. [4:29]But as then he that was born of the flesh persecuted him that was born of the Spirit, so also now. [4:30]But what says the Scripture? Cast out the servant-woman and her son; for the son of the servant woman shall not be an heir, with the son of the free. [4:31]Wherefore, brothers, we are not children of the servant woman, but of the free. CHAPTER III. MORAL DUTIES. 1 [5:1]STAND firm in the liberty with which Christ has made you free, and be not again subject to a yoke of servitude. [5:2]Behold, I Paul tell you, that if you are circumcised Christ will not profit you. [5:3]For I testify again to every man that is circumcised, that he is bound to perform the whole law. [5:4] You have departed from Christ, whoever of you are justified by the law, you have fallen from the grace. [5:5]For we wait in spirit for the hope of righteousness, by faith. [5:6]For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision avails any thing nor uncircumcision, but faith which works by love. 2 [5:7]You ran well; who hindered you from obeying the truth? [5:8]This persuasion is not of him that calls you. [5:9]A little leaven leavens the whole mass. [5:10]I have confidence in you, in the Lord, that you will not be of another mind; but he that troubles you shall bear his sin, whoever he is. [5:11] And I, brothers, if I preach circumcision, why am I yet persecuted? Then has the offense of the cross ceased. [5:12]I would that they were cut off that disturb you. [5:13]For you are called to liberty, brothers, only make not your liberty an occasion for the flesh, but by love serve one another. [5:14]For all the law is fully contained in one precept; you shall love your neighbor as yourself. [5:15]But if you bite and devour one another, see that you be not consumed one by another.