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

There followeth now the exhortation which he addeth, that is, That the people discharge themselves in keeping of the law. As if he said, That it is not given for men only to confess, that all that it containeth is good, & just, and of great equity: but to this end also, that men show whether they be obedient unto God, or no. And that is the cause why he saith, That thou fear the Lord thy God, and that thou keep his commandments and statutes. Under this word of fear, he signifieth that God, by declaring his law, meant to make a proof whether we will serve him, or no. For albeit we observe all the commandments, in such sort that men can find no fault with us: yet if this fear of God be not rooted in our heart, if we bear him not this reverence, to desire to be his, all the time of our life, this outward observing of his commandments, shall be but a frivolous show, and a pomp of great vanity. For we must not think that God is contented with that which outwardly appeareth: although it be highly priced and esteemed of men, yet is it but as a vapour of smoke before him.

There followeth now the exhortation which he addeth, that is, That the people discharge themselues in keeping of the lawe. As if he said, That it is not geuen for men only to confesse, that all that it conteineth is good, & iust, and of great equitie: but to this ende also, that men shewe whether they be obedient vnto God, or no. And that is the cause why he saith, That thou feare the Lorde thy God, and that thou keepe his commaundementes and statutes. Vnder this worde of feare, he signifieth that God, by declaring his lawe, meant to make a proofe whether we will serue him, or no. For albeit we obserue all the commaundementes, in such sort that men can find no fault with vs: yet if this feare of God bee not rooted in our heart, if we beare him not this reuerence, to desire to bee his, all the time of our life, this outward obseruing of his commaundementes, shall be but a friuosous shewe, and a pompe of great vanitie. For wee must not thinke that God is contented with that which outwardlie appeareth: although it be highlie priced and esteemed of men, yet is it but as a vapour of smoke before him.

We ought therefore to begin at this point, if we will observe the law of God duly, and in such sort, as our life may be agreeable unto God: namely, that we bear him all reverence, that we seek to be under his hand, under his guide and direction, that we seek to do him homage as our sovereign King, we seek to dedicate our selves unto him, as to our Creator, we seek to honour him as our Father. When this affection and desire shall be in us, then have we the beginning of the whole law, and of all righteousness: & that is the cause why it is said,