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

Be it then that we reprehend them, be it that we speak of their vices, to the end they may be punished for them, & that they which might be seduced & led unto evil by their wicked example, be not perverted: let us nevertheless always have this regard, to procure their profit & welfare as much in us lieth. And let us always observe this measure in reproving, that we defame not men in such sort, that they be wholly discouraged to return to do well. For we ought rather to bury their vices as much as we may, both before God & before men, that they may call to mind their duty, & not lose all shame to give over themselves inordinately unto ⟨p. 84⟩all wickedness. Thus ye see in what sort we ought to procure their good. Now, if we will, as we ought, observe this which is here contained, we must come to an higher point & principle: namely, to consider why God hath made our tongue, & for what cause he hath bestowed on us the gift of speaking, knowing he hath granted it us to this end, that we might communicate together. Now the communication which is between mankind, what other end ought it to have than to maintain us in charity? We must therefore briefly learn, so to bridle our tongues, that the unity & peace which God commandeth that we have among us, be always kept & nourished as much as is possible.¹ And lo why S. James useth such vehemency when he mentioneth evil speeches: he saith that the tongue which is but a small portion of the body, & a little morsel of flesh, kindleth notwithstanding such a fire, as might burn the greatest & thickest forests in the world. Let us therefore return to this principle: namely, to know that God hath bestowed on us a singular benefit, in giving us the mean to be able to commune & confer together. Lo the thoughts & affections of men are secret & hidden, & the tongue which openeth and displayeth the secrets of the heart. Let us therefore consider diligently how to use well so great a benefit, let us beware how we defile our tongue with our vices & wickedness, seeing God hath given it to nourish a love & brotherhood among us: let us take heed we abuse it not to babble & prattle of this & that, so as to turn our speeches to ill purposes, to be empoisoned one against another. Behold what is the point whereunto we must come.

Be it then that we reprehend them, be it that we speake of their vices, to the end they may be punished for them, & that they which might be seduced & led vnto euill by their wicked example, be not peruerted: let vs neuerthelesse alwayes haue this regard, to procure their profite & welfare as much in vs lieth. And let vs alwayes obserue this measure in reprouing, that we defame not men in such sort, that they be wholy discoraged to returne to do well. For we ought rather to burie their vices asmuch as wee may, both before God & before men, that they may call to minde their dutie, & not lose all shame to giue ouer themselues inordinately vnto