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…

which they were scarce able to overcome though every one of them had had ten heads. Notwithstanding such is their wickedness that they say that there can be no church, unless it be drowned in this depth: neither do they cease to brag & boast that they are the successors of the Apostles whereas there is nothing which appeareth to be more contrary. They were careful for this, that they might not be occupied about serving of tables, and so be compelled to leave their own banquets. For whosoever is careful for his own table, he taketh leave to be vacant from other mens tables. But omitting these things, let us mark this sentence. ⟨p. 128⟩We know what a holy thing it is to be careful for the poor. Therefore for as much as the Apostles prefer the preaching of the Gospel before it, we gather thereby that no obedience is m•re acceptable to God. Notwithstanding the hardness is also declared, when as they say that they cannot discharge both these duties. Surely we are not better than they. Therefore let every one of us that is called unto the function of teaching addict himself wholly to order this his estate well. For we are inclined to nothing more than to fall to slothfulness. Again the flesh ministereth goodly cloaks and colours, so that those men cannot see by and by that they are lead away from their calling, which enwrap themselves in strange business. Wherefore to the end Ministers may prick forward themselves to do their duty, let them remember this saying of the Apostles oftentimes, wherein they declare that forasmuch as they are called unto the function of teaching, they must not any longer take charge of the poor. Therefore what excuses have profane affairs (taken in hand even for some private gain) where that is set aside which is otherwise accounted no small part of the worship of God.

which they were scarse able to ouercome though euery one of them had had ten heads. Notwithstanding such is their wickednesse that they say that there can be no church, vnlesse it be drowned in this depth: neither do they cease to brag & boast that they are the successors of the Apostles whereas there is nothing which appeareth to bee more contrary. They were carefull for this, that they might not bee occupied about seruing of tables, and so be compelled to leaue their owne bankets. For whosoeuer is carefull for his owne table, hee taketh leaue to bee vacant from other mens tables. But omitting these things, let vs marke this sentence. ⟨p. 128⟩