A17717:136
Sermons of M. John Calvin, upon the.X.Commandments of the Law, given of GodSermons of M. Iohn Caluine, vpon the.X.Commandementes of the Lawe, geuen of God
Sermons of M. John Calvin, upon the.X.Commandments of the Law, given of God by Moses, otherwise called the Decalogue. Gathered word for word, presently at his sermons, when he preached on Deuteronomy, without adding unto, or diminishing from them any thing afterward. Translated out of French into English, by I.H.Sermons of M. Iohn Caluine, vpon the.X.Commandementes of the Lawe, geuen of God by Moses, otherwise called the Decalogue. Gathered word for word, presently at his sermons, when he preached on Deuteronomie, without adding vnto, or diminishing from them any thing afterward. Translated out of Frenche into English, by I.H.
London: printed by Thomas Dawson for John Harison, 1579London: printed by Thomas Dawson for Iohn Harison, 1579
Sermon 7: The. 7. Sermon, wherein it is entreated of the second Table.
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
So then we see, what this ⟨image 52⟩importeth, and what is the natural sense and meaning of the place. Now return we to that which we have shortly touched, to make our profit thereby, and to gather thence some doctrine and instruction, which may be for our commodity. First of all then, let children know, that seeing God hath given them fathers and mothers, it is great reason they obey them, or otherwise they show, that they are contemners of GOD. And this rebellion they make, is not raised against men, nor against creatures: but this is as much as if the majesty of God and his glory were trodden under foot. It is said, that we have but one father which is in heaven,1 to speak properly: and this is not understood concerning the souls only, but touching the bodies also of men. This honour then is proper to God alone, to be called father, neither can it agree unto men, but so far as it pleaseth him to communicate this name unto them. Now seeing this title of father is as a mark which God hath imprinted in men, we see, that if children make no account of fathers and mothers, they do wrong and injury unto God. As much is to be said of them which obey not their princes and magistrates. Of servants likewise which would all degrees were confounded, and that they might bear rule without all order. And see why the Ethnics and Paynims have applied this word of Piety or Godliness, to the honour which we give to fathers & mothers, and to all them which are in authority over us. Piety or godliness, to speak properly, is the reverence which we owe unto GOD. But the Paynims, albeit they were poor blind wretches, knew that God will not be served only in his own majesty, but then also, when we obey those which bear rule and exercise authority over us. In sum, he will prove our obedience in this behalf. And therefore, seeing parents and magistrates are lieutenants of God, and all those which have any mastership represent his person: it is certain, that if one set them at naught, it is as much as if he declared that he will not obey GOD. A man may make some fair protestation to the contrary, but the thing notwithstanding is so for all that. If the poor unfaithful and unbelieving ones knew this, and that GOD left unto them such an affection, what excuse shall there be left for us, if we understand it not much better?
So then wee see, what this ⟨image 52⟩