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…

When he saith, Shall we not much more be in subjection to the Father of Spirits? he signifies, it is good reason that we should suffer God to enjoy that rule and power of government which he ought to exercise over us, as also that right of a father, to which we ought to subject our selves. When he saith, ¹that we might live, he toucheth the cause or the end. Now we are admonished by this clause, that there is nothing more pernicious or hurtful unto us, than when we refuse to be governed under the obedience of God.

When he saith, Shall we not much more be in subiection to the Father of Spirits? he signifies, it is good reason that wee should suffer God to inioy that rule and power of gouernment which he ought to exercise ouer vs, as also that right of a father, to which we ought to subiect our selues. When he saith, ¹that we might liue, he toucheth the cause or the end. Now wee are admonished by this clause, that there is nothing more pernicious or hurtfull vnto vs, than when we refuse to be gouerned vnder the obedience of God.

1. 1Nothing more hurtful, than disobedience to God.Nothing more hurtfull, than disobedience to God.

For they verily for a few days, Vers. 10 &c.] This is the second amplification, as I have said: to wit, that chastisements are appointed and ordained to tame and mortify the flesh, that we might be renewed according to the image of the heavenly life. Whence it appears, that the fruit of them are perpetual; and that we are not to look so much for the same at the hands of men; because their discipline and correction is but a part of the political order, which properly belongeth to this life present. Now from hence it follows, that the chastisement or corrections of God do bring much more profit and benefit with them: to wit, even so much more as the spiritual holiness of God is more excellent than bodily commodities. If it be objected, that it is the duty of fathers to instruct their children in the worship and fear of God; and therefore it may seem their corrections ought not to be restrained to so little a while: I answer, this is very true: but the Apostle speaks here of that household government which we are accustomed to call outward policy. For although it belongs to the Magistrates office to maintain religion, yet notwithstanding we may say that their