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…

31 How should I. Most excellent modesty of the Eunuch, who doeth not only permit Philip, who was one of the common sort to question with him, but doth also willingly confess his ignorance. And surely we must never hope that he will ever show himself apt to be taught, who is puffed up with the confidence of his own wit. Hereby it cometh to pass that the reading of the scriptures doth profit so few at this day, because we can scarce find one amongst an hundred, which submitteth himself willingly to learn. For whiles all men almost are ashamed to be ignorant of that whereof they are ignorant: every man had rather proudly nourish his ignorance, than seem to be scholar to other men. Yea a great many take upon them haughtily to teach other men. Nevertheless let us remember that the Eunuch did so confess his ignorance, that yet notwithstanding he was one of Gods scholars when he read the scripture. This is the true reverence of the scripture, when as we acknowledge that there is that wisdom laid up there, which surpasseth all our senses: and yet notwithstanding we do not loath it, but reading diligently we depend upon the revelation of the Spirit, and desire to have an interpreter given us.

31 How should I. Most excellent modestie of the Eunuch, who doeth not only permit Philip, who was one of the commō sort to questiō with him, but doth also willingly confesse his ignorance. And surely wee must neuer hope that he will euer shew himselfe apt to be taught, who is puffed vp with the confidence of his owne wit. Hereby it commeth to passe that the reading of the scriptures doth profite so few at this day, because we can scarse finde one amongst an hundreth, which submitteth himself willingly to learne. For whiles all men almost are ashamed to bee ignorant of that whereof they are ignorant: euery man had rather proudlie nourish his ignorance, than seem to be scholer to other men. Yea a great manie take vpon them hautilie to teach other men. Neuerthelesse let vs remember that the Eunuch did so confesse his ignorance, that yet notwithstanding he was one of Gods scholers when he read the scripture. This is the true reuerence of the scripture, when as we acknowledge that there is that wisdome laid vp there, which surpasseth all our senses: and yet notwithstanding we do not loath it, but reading diligētly we depend vpon the reuelation of the Spirite, and desire to haue an interpreter giuen vs.