295. In what, therefore, consists the holiness they vaunt? Forsooth, in that on certain days they abstain from meat, that they bind themselves to certain vows, that they have a liking for certain kinds of work. But, I ask you, who has given command to do those things? No one. That which God has enjoined or commanded, they do not respect. They render paramount something else concerning which God has given no command. 296. Hence, the vital importance of this rule, that we observe not the contents of the command but its author. He who fails to do this will often be offended, as I said, by the insignificance or absurdity of a task. God should receive credit for wisdom and goodness. Assuredly that which he himself enjoins is well and wisely enjoined, though human reason judge differently. 297. From the wisdom of God the Papists detract when they consider divinely enjoined tasks as paltry and attempt to undertake something better or more difficult. God is not propitiated by such works, but rather provoked, as Saul's example shows. As if God were stupid, dastardly, and cruel in that he commanded to destroy the Amalekites and all their belongings, Saul conceived a kinder plan and reserved the cattle for the purpose of sacrifice. What else was such action but to deem himself wise and God foolish. 298. Hence Moses rightly commends in this passage Noah's obedience when he says that he did everything the Lord had enjoined. That means to give God credit for wisdom and goodness. He did not discuss the task, as Adam, Eve and Saul did to their great hurt. He kept his eye on the majesty of him who gave the command. That was enough for him, even though the command be absurd, impossible, inexpedient. All such objections he passes by with closed eyes, as it were, and takes his stand upon the one thing commanded by God. This text therefore is familiar as far as hearing it is concerned, but even as to the performance and practice of it, it is known to very few and is extremely difficult. CHAPTER VII. I. NOAH OBEYS COMMAND TO ENTER THE ARK. 1. Noah saw God's favor in his command 1. * Noah experienced severe temptations and needed comfort 1-2. 2. What God wished to teach Noah by calling him to enter the ark 3. 3. Whether God spoke this commandment directly to Noah 4-5. * When God speaks to us through men it is to be viewed as God's Word 4-5. * The thoughts of the Jews on the seven days 6. * The office of the ministry. a. Through it God deals with mankind 7. b. Why we should not despise the office and expect revelations direct from God 8-9. * God speaks with man in various ways 9. * Corruption and destruction of the first world. a. The ruin of the first compared with that of the last world 10-13. * The need of posterity to pray that they retain pure doctrine 12. b. Why so few righteous persons were found in Noah's day 12.