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…

Thus we shall always find something in the Saints worthy of reprehension: ¹and yet notwithstanding the imperfections of their faith, it doth not therefore cease for all that to be approved of God. Wherefore we are not to be discouraged by reason of the vices wherewithal we are encumbered, neither yet thereby to become secure and careless, provided that we by faith do hold on our course in following our vocation. And of David. ²Under Davids name he comprehends all the faithful Kings; with whom also he joins Samuel and the Prophets. ³In which words his meaning is to show that the kingdom of Judah was established by faith, and by the same faith endured unto the end. The many victories which David had over his enemies, were all […] ⟨p. 282⟩unable to overcome adversities, unless faith do sustain & uphold us. And hereof we gather, that all those that have a true confidence in God, are furnished with such a power, as is sufficient for them to resist, and stand steadfast by what means soever Satan shall assail them: and especially that we shall never want patience to endure afflictions, ⁴if so be we have faith: as also on the contrary it is a sure mark that we are overcome of infidelity, when we faint and quail in the time of persecutions, & of the cross. For the nature of faith is the same at this day, that it was long ago in the holy fathers, of whom the Apostle maketh mention in this place. Wherefore if we follow the example of their faith, we shall not fall so foully as we do by our slothfulness. As touching the word racked, I have therein followed the translation of Erasmus: although others do expound it, Dismē bred: but in mine opinion the sense is more simple: to wit, that they were racked, as one would stretch a skin upon a drum.

Thus we shall alwaies finde something in the Saints worthie of reprehension: ¹and yet notwithstanding the imperfections of their faith, it doth not therefore cease for all that to be approoued of God. Wherefore we are not to be discouraged by reason of the vices wherewithall wee are incumbred, neither yet thereby to become secure and carelesse, prouided that we by faith do hold on our course in following our vocation. And of Dauid.