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 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 ⟨p. 297⟩office is contained within the limits of this life present: because otherwise the civill and earthly government, could not be distinguished from the spiritual kingdom of Christ.

For they verily for a few daies, Vers. 10 &c.] This is the second amplification, as I haue said: to wit, that chastisements are appointed and ordained to tame and mortifie the flesh, that we might be renued according to the image of the heauenly life. Whence it appeares, that the fruit of them are perpetuall; and that we are not to looke so much for the same at the hands of men; because their discipline and correction is but a part of the politicall order, which properly belongeth to this life present. Now from hence it followes, that the chastisement or corrections of God doe bring much more profit and benefit with them: to wit, euen so much more as the spirituall holinesse of God is more excellent than bodily commodities. If it be obiected, that it is the dutie of fathers to instruct their children in the worshippe and feare of God; and therefore it may seeme their corrections ought not to be restrained to so little a while: I answer, this is very true: but the Apostle speakes here of that houshold gouernment which we are accustomed to call outward policie. For although it belongs to the Magistrates office to maintaine religion, yet notwithstanding we may say that their