A17642:1256
The commentaries of M. John Calvin upon the Acts of the Apostles, faithfully translated…The commentaries of M. Iohn Caluin vpon the Actes of the Apostles, faithfully translated…
The commentaries of M. John Calvin upon the Acts of the Apostles, faithfully translated out of Latin into English for the great profit of our country-men, by Christopher Fetherstone student in divinityThe commentaries of M. Iohn Caluin vpon the Actes of the Apostles, faithfully translated out of Latine into English for the great profite of our countrie-men, by Christopher Fetherstone student in diuinitie
Londini: printed by Thomas Dawson, 1585
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
Publicly and through out every house. This is the second point, that he did not only teach all men in the congregation, but also every one privately, as every mans necessity did require. For Christ hath not appointed Pastors upon this condition, that they may only teach the Church in general in the open pulpit: but that they may take charge of every particular sheep, that they may bring back to the sheepfold those which wander and go astray, that they may strengthen those which are discouraged and weak, that they may cure the sick,1 that they may lift up and set on foot the feeble: for common doctrine will oftentimes wax cold, unless it be holpen with private admonitions.
Publikelie and through out euery house. This is the seconde point, that hee did not onely teach all men in the congregation, but also euery one priuatly, as euerie mans necessitie did require. For Christ hath not appointed Pastours vppon this condition, that they may onely teach the Church in generall in the open pulpit: but that they may take charge of euery particular sheepe, that they may bring backe to the sheepefold those which wander and goe astray, that they may strengthen those which are discouraged and weake, that they may cure the sick,1 that they may lift vppe and set on foote the feeble: for common doctrine will oftentimes waxe colde, vnlesse it bee holpen with priuate admonitions.
Wherefore the negligence of those men is inexcusable who having made one Sermon, as if they had done their task live all the rest of their time idly: as if their voice were shut up within the church walls, seeing that so soon as they be departed thence they be dumb. Also disciples and scholars are taught, that if they will be numbered in Christs flock, they must give place to their pastors, so often as they come unto them: and that they must not refuse private admonitions. For they be rather Bears then sheep, who do not vouchsafe to hear the voice of their pastor unless he be in the pulpit: and cannot abide to be admonished and reproved at home, yea, do furiously refuse that necessary duty.