A commentary of M. John Calvin, upon the book of Joshua finished a little…A commentarie of M. Iohn Caluine, vpon the booke of Iosue finished a little…

especially, let us take good heed, that we trouble not the minds of the godly with any new or strange examples.

especially, let vs take good heede, that we trouble not the mindes of the godlie with any new or straunge examples.

11 The children of Israel heard, &c.) There is no doubt, but that they were kindled with holy zeal, neither ought we to think, that this was too great vehemency, that for a heap of stones they armed themselves to destroy their own countrymen. For they judged truly and wisely, that the lawful Sanctuary of God was overthrown, his worship profaned, religion defiled, the consent of godliness torn asunder, the gate opened to the licence of all superstitions, if sacrifices should have been offered to God in two places: for which causes he had so strictly bound the whole people to one altar. Therefore it is not without a cause, that the ten tribes do so much detest the sacrilegious boldness in a profane altar. Wherefore, here is set forth unto us, a worthy example of ⟨image 98⟩godliness, that if we see the pure worship of God to be corrupted, we should seek, as much as lieth in us, to see it most sharply revenged. Indeed the sword is not given into every mans hand: but every man, according to his office and calling, ought manfully and constantly seek to maintain the pure state of religion, against all corruptions. But especially the zeal of the half tribe of Manasseh was worthy of singular commendation, which setting aside all carnal respect, would not forbear their own family. And yet I confess, that this zeal, as godly as it was, is not without some disordered affection: for before they had enquired of the intent of their brethren, and understood the cause thoroughly, they make haste to decree war against them. I confess they do it not, but under condition: because they send Ambassadors, which should report the cause unto them, when they had well and throughly understood the matter, neither do they move one finger to take punishment, before they were perfectly certified of the crime. Therefore the heat of their anger may be excused, whiles they prepare themselves to fight, if there had been any such departing from religion found out, as they suspected.