he
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 fe