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

We see how our Lord loveth us, in that he lendeth us his name, to the end we might communicate with our neighbours, & if there were any controversy and dissension among us, it might be ended by this mean: namely, that if we be not believed, if any matter were in doubt, the name of God should be brought forth as Umpire in the matter to end the controversy, so as the thing should be altogether certain, when it shall have such a confirmation. Is not this an inestimable goodness, that our Lord abaseth himself so much, as to permit us to use his name? And why? For it is certain that the majesty of God is so precious, that it ought not to be abased so far: but yet he bouchsafeth to apply himself unto us. So much greater then is our villainy & wickedness, if we unhallow the name of God in our oaths. Now this is done, not only when we are forsworn, but if we take the name of God, in our mouths rashly and at random: when we have not a regard to speak thereof in all wisdom and discretion, and consider whether the thing which is in controversy deserveth to be confirmed in such manner or no: For if we use it rashly and foolishly, behold the name of the Lord is as it were unhallowed. It is true that God accounteth ⟨image 27⟩it for one kind of his service, when men swear by his name, not that he is herein bound unto us, but altogether the contrary. For (as I have already touched) we ought to perceive in this thing, how GOD beareth with us, when he licenceth us to use his name. But yet do we in swearing confess that GOD hath all preeminence and superiority over us. He which is inferior, sweareth by him which is his sovereign & greater,¹ saith the Apostle to the Hebrews. And if we knew to what end an oath serveth, we shall understand, that this can not agree, but only to the majesty of God. For by it our meaning is to confirm those things which are secret and can have no other proof among men. Now this can not be done by any creature, but herein GOD must show himself, for it is he which soundeth the depth of mens hearts, and hereupon also not without cause he challengeth to him self the title of trueth.

We see how our Lord loueth vs, in that he lendeth vs his name, to the end we might communicate with our neighbours, & if there were any controuersie and dissention among vs, it might be ended by this meane: namely, that if wee bee not beleued, if any matter were in doubt, the name of God should be brought foorth as Vmpier in the matter to end the controuersie, so as the thing should bee altogether certeine, when it shall haue such a confirmation. Is not this an inestimable goodnesse, that our Lorde abaseth himselfe somuch, as to permitte vs to vse his name? And why? For it is certeine that the maiestie of God is so precious, that it ought not to bee abased so farre: but yet he bouchsafeth to applie himselfe vnto vs. So much greater then is our villanie & wickednes, if wee vnhallowe the name of God in our othes. Nowe this is done, not onely when we are forsworne, but if we take the name of God, in our mouthes rashlie and at randon: when we haue not a regarde to speake thereof in all wisdome and discretion, and consider whether the thing which is in controersie deserueth to bee confirmed in such manner or no: For if we vse it rashlie and foolishlie, behold the name of the Lord is as it were vnhallowed. It is true that God accounteth