A commentary on the whole Epistle to the Hebrews. By M. John Calvin. Translated…A commentarie on the vvhole Epistle to the Hebrevves. By M. Iohn Caluin. Translated…

For this cause it seems that this title ought only to be restrained to the faithful; seeing none but they do examine themselves thus to the quick. Notwithstanding the coherence of the text of the Apostle shows, that it is a general sentence, which extends it self even to the reprobates. For although they be not softened by it, but do set hearts of iron and steel against God and his word, yet must they necessarily be shut up under their own condemnation. It is true they laugh; but it is the laughter of an hostler, as they say; for they feel themselves wrung as it were within: many shiftings and turnings they make that they might not come near the judgement seat of God: but thither are they drawn will they nill they, even by this word, against which they so proudly exalt themselves. So then we may compare them to mad dogs, who although they bite and scratch the chain, yet they gain nothing, because they still remain fast tied therewith. Now howsoever this effect of the word doth not show it self at the first day, yet by the event at the last you shall know, that the word is not preached to any man in vain. Verily it is a ⟨p. 79⟩general sentence which Christ pronounceth when he saith, The Spirit shall come and reprove the world of sin, Joh. 16.8. But how doth the Spirit exercise this reproof? Verily by the Gospel preached. Lastly, although the word of God hath not always this power in men, yet it hath this power enclosed in it self.

For this cause it seemes that this title ought only to be restrained to the faithfull; seeing none but they doe examine themselues thus to the quicke. Notwithstanding the coherēce of the text of the Apostle shews, that it is a generall sentence, which extends it selfe euen to the reprobates. For although they be not softened by it, but doe set hearts of iron and steele against God and his word, yet must they necessarily be shut vp vnder their owne condemnation. It is true they laugh; but it is the laughter of an hostler, as they say; for they feele themselues wrung as it were within: many shiftings and turnings they make that they might not come neere the iudgement seat of God: but thither are they drawne will they nill they, euen by this word, against which they so proudly exalt themselues. So then we may compare them to madde dogges, who although they bite and scratch the chaine, yet they gaine nothing, because they still remaine fast tied therewith. Now howsoeuer this effect of the word doth not shewe it selfe at the first day, yet by the euent at the last you shall know, that the word is not preached to any man in vaine. Verily it is a