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…

22 And Joshua s•ied, &c.) Now we see what mark Joshua did shoot at: not that the people being amazed by fear, should be driven away from religion: but that the bond might be holier, seeing that of their own accord they desired his government, and had yielded themselves into his fidelity and protection, that they might live under his defence. Therefore in their own conscience they acknowledge, that they shall be guilty and convict of unthankfulness, except they kept promise. And though they did not feignedly profess, that they would be witnesses unto their own damnation: yet how lightly the remembrance of this promise fell away, it appeareth in the book of Judges. For when the Elders were dead, they were quickly drawn asunder into diverse superstitions. By which example we are taught, how manifold deceits do possess the senses of men, and what crooked corners do hide their hypocrisy and vanity, until their own vain confidence deceive themselves.

22 And Iosue s•ied, &c.) Nowe we see what marke Iosue did shoote at: not that the people being amazed by feare, shoulde be driuen away from religion: but that the bond might be holier, seeing that of their owne accorde they desired his gouernment, and had yeelded themselues into his fidelitie and protection, that they might liue vnder his defence. Therefore in their owne conscience they acknowledge, that they shalbe guiltie and conuict of vnthankfulnesse, except they kept promise. And though they did not feginedly professe, that they woulde be witnesses vnto their owne damnation: yet how lightly the remembrance of this promise fell away, it appeareth in the booke of Iudges. For when the Elders were dead, they were quickly drawen asunder into diuerse superstitions. By which example we are taught, howe manifold deceiptes doe possesse the senses of men, and what crooked corners doe hide their hypocrisie and vanitie, vntill their owne vaine confidence deceiue themselues.

23 Now therefore take away, &c.) How could it be, that they which were of late so sharp revengers of superstition, have suffered idols to have place among them, and yet the words sound so, that they should take away from amongst them the strange gods. If we understand, that their houses were yet polluted with idols, we may see as it were in a clear glass, how sweetly the greatest part of men do flatter themselves in their vices, which against other they pursue with extreme igour and severity. But because it seemeth not like unto me, that after the punishment of Achan, they durst be so bold to dele themselves with such manifest sacrileges, I do rather refer it to their affection, that they should drive away far from them all inventions of feigned gods. For before, in the same Chap. he exhorteth