A17650:194
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…
A commentary on the whole Epistle to the Hebrews. By M. John Calvin. Translated out of FrenchA commentarie on the vvhole Epistle to the Hebrevves. By M. Iohn Caluin. Translated out of French
London: printed by Felix Kingston for Arthur Johnson, 1605London: printed by Felix Kingston for Arthur Iohnson, 1605
Title page typeset from the transcription.
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
But here a new question may arise, to wit, Question. whether this is to be understood of the Law or of the Gospel. They which think the Apostle speaks of the Law, bring these testimonies of S. Paul, that it is the ministry of death, 2. Cor. 3.6.7. that it is a killing letter, that it brings nothing but wrath, and such like. But the Apostle in this place also notes divers other effects. For as we have said, there is a lively killing of the soul, which is done by the Gospel. Answer. Let us know then that the Apostle speaks of the whole doctrine of God, when he saith it is lively, and mighty in operation. To the same purpose S. Paul protests that his preaching was the ⟨p. 80⟩sweet savour of life unto life to the faithful, 1and of death unto death in the unfaithful: so as God never speaks in vain, but either he thereby brings his own to salvation; or else thereby casts the wicked headlong into perdition. And this is the power of binding and losing which the Lord committed to his Apostles, Matth. 18.18. This is the spiritual power whereof Paul glorieth in the 2. Cor. 10 4. And indeed it doth never promise us salvation in Christ; but on the contrary it openly denounceth vengeance to the unfaithful, who in rejecting of Christ, do plunge themselves over head and ears in death.
But here a new question may arise, to wit, Question. whether this is to be vnderstood of the Law or of the Gospell. They which thinke the Apostle speakes of the Law, bring these testimonies of S. Paul, that it is the ministerie of death, 2. Cor. 3.6.7. that it is a killing letter, that it brings nothing but wrath, and such like. But the Apostle in this place also notes diuers other effects. For as wee haue said, there is a liuely killing of the soule, which is done by the Gospell. Answere. Let vs know then that the Apostle speakes of the whole doctrine of God, when he saith it is liuely, and mightie in operation. To the same purpose S. Paul protests that his preaching was the