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

As who should say, That GOD had not provided for their necessity, and that he had not showed him self so loving a Physician, to heal that evil disease which was in us, as though he had not at all interposed him self for our health, as we see now he hath. Therefore, let us lay aside all those excuses of frailty and weakness, seeing that our Lord would aide us in this behalf, and hath ordained this holy estate of marriage, that all they which have not the gift of continency, give not them selves over notwithstanding to any filthiness and uncleanness. Ye then see what we have to bear in mind, and withal let us further note that which the Apostle sayeth, That the bed of marriage, as long as men and women keep them selves together in the fear of God,¹ and in all modesty and sobriety, that even this bed is honourable. So that, albeit by great reason it be in it self shameful: yet God turneth it all into honour. It is not lightly to be considered, that the Apostle calleth that honourable before God, which except he did pardon it, were shameful even before men. But he pronounceth malediction and vengeance upon all adulterers and fornicators. When we hear such a sentence pronounced of marriage, let us learn to shroud our selves under so honourable a shadow, if we have need thereof, that our lustful desire be not condemned before GOD, and before his Angels. And they which shall be able to abstain from marriage, let them so consider of their abstaining for a time, that if need shall require, they reject not, but have recourse unto this remedy, which GOD hath appointed: and let them so love out of marriage from day to day, that they be always prest and ready to order themselves to the rule of GOD, when he shall call them unto this estate. But now, here we may see, how Satan hath overthrown the whole order which GOD hath assigned: yea, (even under the colour of holiness and religion) we see what abominations are hereof proceeded: as among the Papists it seemeth that it is the most Angelical virtue that may be, to live single & not to be married. ⟨image 72⟩Lo, an estate of all perfection, will the Monks say, when they are not married. The Priests will say, that having solemnized their vows, they are dedicated to God.

As who should say, That GOD had not prouided for their necessitie, and that hee had not shewed him selfe so louing a Physician, to heale that euill disease which was in vs, as though hee had not at all interposed him selfe for our health, as wee see nowe he hath. Therefore, let vs laie aside all those excuses of frailetie and weakenesse, seeing that our Lorde would aide vs in this behalfe, and hath ordeined this holie estate of marriage, that all they which haue not the gift of continencie, giue not them selues ouer notwithstanding to anie filthinesse and vncleannesse. Yee then see what we haue to beare in mind, and withall let vs further note that which the Apostle saieth, That the bedde of marriage, as long as men and women keepe them selues together in the feare of God,