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…

3 Wherefore consider him that endured such speaking against of sinners, least you should be wearied and faint in your minds.

3 Wherfore consider him that endured such speaking against of sinners, least you should be wearied and faint in your mindes.

This is the conclusion and shutting up of the former Chapter, Vers. 1 wherein he showeth to what end he hath made rehearsal of this Catalogue of the holy servants of God, whose faith was so excellent under the Law: to wit, to the ⟨p. 287⟩end that every one might dispose himself to follow their steps. Now he calleth a great multitude, a cloud; by a borrowed speech: for a multitude is the opposite to few. Truly although they had been but a small number; yet ought we to be stirred up by their example, much more when there is so great a cloud of them. Herewithall he saith, that we are compassed about with this thickness, or multitude, so that whithersoever we turn our eyes, we still meet with many examples of saith. As touching this word witnesses, I take it not so generally as if he called them Martyrs of God; but I rather refer it to the present matter: as if he should have said, that faith is sufficiently approved by their witness; so as there needs no more doubtings thereof now. For the virtues of the Saints, are as so many witnesses to confirm our faith, to the end we having them for our leaders and companions, might go unto God the more cheerfully, and courageously.

THis is the conclusion and shutting vp of the former Chapter, Vers. 1 wherin he sheweth to what end he hath made rehearsall of this Catalogue of the holy seruants of God, whose faith was so excellent vnder the Law: to wit, to the ⟨p. 287⟩end that euery one might dispose himselfe to follow their steps. Now he calleth a great multitude, a clowde; by a borrowed speech: for a multitude is the opposite to few. Truly although they had been but a small number; yet ought we to be stirred vp by their example, much more when there is so great a cloude of them. Herewithall he saith, that wee are compassed about with this thicknes, or multitude, so that whithersoeuer we turne our eyes, wee still meete with many examples of saith. As touching this word witnesses, I take it not so generally as if he called them Martyrs of God; but I rather referre it to the present matter: as if he should haue said, that faith is sufficiently approoued by their witnes; so as there needes no more doubtings thereof now. For the vertues of the Saints, are as so many witnesses to confirme our faith, to the end wee hauing them for our leaders and companions, might goe vnto God the more cheerefully, and couragiously.