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…

If any demand why the Apostle maketh mention here of such an Apostasy, Question. seeing he writ to the faithful, who were far enough off from so wicked a disloyalty? Answer. I answer, he shows them the danger thereof beti••es, that being warned; they might be armed against it. And let us observe it well; for when we err from the right way, we are not only ready to excuse our faults to others, but are as ready to beguile our selves. Satan then steals in upon us, and by ⟨p. 115⟩subtle sleights draws us away: so as we are fallen, ¹whilst we think we stand. Thus we fall by degrees, till at the last we run headlong into destruction. And it is a thing which common experience doth daily teach us in very many. Therefore it is not without cause that the Apostle forewarneth all the Disciples of Christ to look unto themselves in time. For long negligence grows easily more and more upon us as a Lethargy: and after that follows an alienation of mind and affections. Now we are yet to note by the way with what titles and commendations he adorns the knowledge of the Gospel. He calls it an enlightening: from whence it follows, that men are blind till Christ, which is the light of the world, do enlighten them. He calls it the taste of the heavenly gift: thereby signifying, that the gifts which are conferred unto us in Christ, §1are far above nature, or the world: §2and yet notwithstanding that they are tasted by faith. He calls it the partaking of the holy Ghost: §3because it is he that distributes to every one (according as he will) all that light and understanding, without which none can say, that Jesus is the Lord, 1. Cor. 12.3. as also that he opens the eyes of our understanding, and reveals Gods secrets unto us. He calls it the taste of the good word of God: §4thereby signifying, that Gods will is not manifested unto us in the same hand over head, but that it brings therewithal unto us a sweet delectation. In a word, by this epithet he shows what difference there is between the Law and the Gospel: because the Law contains in it nothing but severity and judgement: but the Gospel is a sweet and gracious testimony of the love of God, and of his fatherly kindness towards us. Lastly,