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 the earth &c.] Vers. 7 It is a very fit similitude to move our affections to the desire of profiting in due season. For as the earth cannot bring forth good corn in harvest, unless the feed spring up soon after it is cast into the ground: so if we will become good fruit, the Lord no sooner soweth his word, but it should forthwith take root in us, and should also show the power of it in our lives. For it is not to be expected ⟨p. 119⟩it should ever bring forth fruit in us, if we either suffer it to be choked, or to be corrupted in us. But as the similitude is very fit; so also are we wisely to apply it to the Apostles meaning. The earth, saith he, which drinks in the rain, presently after seed time if it brings not forth of the kernel a bastard or wild grass, is at the length brought to the ripeness of good corn, by the blessing of God: so also they that receive the seed of the Gospel into their hearts, and of this seed do bring forth a good and natural blade, do always grow better and better, till they bring forth ripe fruit. Contrariwise, the earth which hath been ploughed and watered, and yet brings forth nothing but thorns and briars, gives no hope to the reaper: Ver. 8 but which is worse, the more that which is come forth groweth, the more is he left hopeless.

FOr the earth &c.] Vers. 7 It is a very fit similitude to moue our affections to the desire of profiting in due season. For as the earth cannot bring foorth good corne in haruest, vnlesse the feede spring vp soone after it is cast into the ground: so if wee will become good fruite, the Lord no sooner foweth his word, but it should forthwith take root in vs, and should also shew the power of it in our liues. For it is not to be expected ⟨p. 119⟩it should euer bring forth fruit in vs, if we either suffer it to be choked, or to be corrupted in vs. But as the similitude is very fit; so also are we wisely to apply it to the Apostles meaning. The earth, saith he, which drinkes in the raine, presently after seed time if it brings not forth of the kernell a bastard or wilde grasse, is at the length brought to the ripenesse of good corne, by the blessing of God: so also they that receiue the seede of the Gospel into their hearts, and of this seede doe bring forth a good and naturall blade, doe alwaies grow better and better, till they bring forth ripe fruite. Contrariwise, the earth which hath beene plowed and watered, and yet brings forth nothing but thornes and briars, giues no hope to the reaper: Ver. 8 but which is worse, the more that which is come forth groweth, the more is he left hopelesse.