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

Now let us come to the third point, which is, that God spake out of the middest of the fire of the cloud, and of the whirlwind. It is true that this hath been before expounded already: but seeing it is repeated again unto us by Moses, let us note that it is not any thing superfluous. And in very deed, we cannot be to often put in mind hereof, that the word of God ought to bear a great majesty with us, to humble us under it, that we may yield all subjection and obedience thereunto. And why? First we see what pride and arrogance is in men, that they can hardly stoop and bend their necks to be pliable in such sort as they ought. I grant, a man shall not hear them say plainly & in express words, ⟨p. 97⟩they will resist God, and make open war with him. But what ever they protest herein, are they so tractable to be taught, so humble and modest as were requisite they should be? Nay, they are far wide from this. Again, there is in us such a dullness and unsensiblenesse, that being so nuzzled, as we are, in these earthly things, and so charmed in them, we can not raise up our understanding to hearken unto GOD, we can not come near this spiritual wisdom, forasmuch as our minds are sore possessed with the cares of this world, we need not any thing to make us rest our minds here below on the earth. It is therefore very needful and necessary, that our Lord touch us to the quick, to the end we may bear such a reverence unto his word, as that it die not altogether in us: partly by our rebellion, partly by our stupidity and dullness, that is to say: because we are so lumpish, so earthly, so gross and worldly minded: and partly, for that we are already fraughted with so many vanities, that we never mind such things as are on high, but lying still grovelling on the ground, we are held occupied in these transitory and corruptible things. Therefore, GOD (not without cause) spake out of the middest of the fire, and of the cloud, and whirl wind, when he would publish his fame. For it behoved, that the people should be touched with some great fear, to say: There is no talk of sporting our selves with God, when he appeareth unto us so terrible, and in such majesty:

Now let vs come to the third point, which is, that God spake out of the middest of the fire of the cloud, and of the whirlewind. It is true that this hath bene before expounded alreadie: but seeing it is repeated againe vnto vs by Moses, let vs note that it is not any thing superfluous. And in verie deede, wee cannot be to often put in minde hereof, that the worde of God ought to beare a great maiestie with vs, to humble vs vnder it, that wee may yeelde all subiection and obedience therevnto. And why? First we see what pride and arrogancie is in men, that they can hardlie stoope and bend their neckes to bee pliable in such sorte as they ought. I graunt, a man shall not heare them say plainelie & in expresse words,