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

It seemeth that they trusted not to the bounty and goodness of GOD, and that they were also very unthankful, for not acknowledging and remembering the benefit, which GOD bestowed on them, when he left unto them their full vigour and strength. But we must note that the people hereby declareth, that they will not tempt GOD any further, that it sufficeth them once to have known that the law was not a thing forged and feigned by men, but that GOD was the only author thereof. This sentence therefore ought thus to be taken, as if they had said: We have this day seen that GOD speaketh unto men, and they yet continue alive: this is sufficient for us, we must take heed, we abuse not the patience of God. He hath spared us this day, but we must not ⟨p. 105⟩hereupon conclude, that he will always do so: he hath tried us in this sort for one time; even because of our malice, our stubbornness, and hardness of heart. For were we worthy unto whom he should in this wise appear in his glory? But he knew that we would not be sufficiently daunted and tamed to be ordered to his obedience, except he should come unto us in his visible glory, and should amaze us with such fear as to confound us. So then, if he should not have won us by such force, he knew well we would have still continued as wild and savage beasts. But seeing it hath pleased him of his goodness to pardon us the fault and offence we have committed, and that at this day he beareth mercifully with us, let us not return to tempt his patience any more. For this should be too great an outrage, this should be to mock his gentleness, and to make a scorn of his patience. So then this testimony sufficeth us, both for our life, and for the life of our children: & for ever unto all posterities, even to the end of the world. Wherefore let them which shall come after us know, that they must not enter into this fond and foolish desire, to wish to draw God unto them out of the heavens, as if it were convenient he should be our fellow mate and companion Ye see then how the • two places agree very well together. Now here we have to note, that albeit the word of God be of that force and power, as to destroy and bring us to nothing, that he yet useth such mercy towards us, that it is unto us to life, in stead of consuming and destroying us.

It seemeth that they trusted not to the bountie and goodnesse of GOD, and that they were also verie vnthankefull, for not acknowledging and remembring the benefite, which GOD bestowed on them, when he left vnto them their full vigor and strength. But wee must note that the people hereby declareth, that they will not tempte GOD any further, that it sufficeth them once to haue knowen that the lawe was not a thing forged and feigned by men, but that GOD was the onely authour thereof. This sentence therefore ought thus to bee taken, as if they had said: Wee haue this day seene that GOD speaketh vnto men, and they yet continue aliue: this is sufficient for vs, wee must take heede, wee abuse not the patience of God. He hath spared vs this day, but wee must not