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…

that the Gentiles may for a time apply themselves to the Jews. But if we will grant any thing, we must assuredly confess that this is according to the word of God, that love bear the sway in things indifferent: that is, that the ⟨p. 378⟩external use of those things which are of themselves free, be bent unto the rule of charity. In sum, if love be the bond of perfection and end of the Law, if God command that we study to preserve mutual unity among our selves, and that every man serve his neighbour to edify: no man is so ignorant which doeth not see that that is contained in the word of God, which the Apostles command in this place: only they apply a general rule to their time. Furthermore let us remember that which I said before, that it was a politic Law, which could not ensnare the conscience, neither bring in any feigned worship of God: which two vices the scripture condemneth every where in mens traditions. But admit we should grant (which is most false) that that did not accord with the word of God which was decreed in that council: yet that maketh nothing for the Papists. Let the Councils decree any thing contrary to the express word of God, according to the revelation of the Spirit: Yet none but lawful Councils may have this authority given them. Then let them prove that their Councils were godly and holy, to the decrees whereof they will have us subject. But I will not any farther prosecute this point, because it was handled in the beginning of the Chapter. Let the readers know (which is sufficient for this present place) that the Apostles pass not the bounds of the word of God, when they set down an external Law as time requireth, whereby they may reconcile the Churches among themselves.

that the Gentiles may for a time applie themselues to the Iewes. But if we wil grant any thing, we must assuredly confesse that this is according to the word of God, that loue beare the sway in things indifferent: that is, that the ⟨p. 378⟩externall vse of those things which are of themselues free, be bent vnto the rule of charitie. In summe, if loue be the bonde of perfection and end of the Law, if God commande that wee studie to preserue mutuall vnity among our selues, and that euery man serue his neighbour to edifie: no man is so ignorant which doeth not see that that is contained in the word of God, which the Apostles commaunde in this place: onelie they applie a generall rule to their time. Furthermore let vs remember that which I said before, that it was a politike Lawe, which coulde not insnare the conscience, neither bring in any feigned worshippe of God: which two vices the scripture condemneth euery where in mens traditions. But admit we should grant (which is most false) that that did not accorde with the word of God which was decreed in that councell: yet that maketh nothing for the Papists. Let the Councels decree any thing contrarie to the expresse worde of God, according to the reuelation of the Spirite: Yet none but lawfull Councels may haue this authoritie giuen them. Then let them prooue that their Councels were godlie and holie, to the decrees whereof they will haue vs subiect. But I will not any farther prosecute this point, because it was handled in the beginning of the Chapter. Let the readers know (which is sufficient for this present place) that the Apostles passe not the boundes of the worde of God, when they set downe an externall Lawe as time requireth, whereby they may reconcile the Churches among themselues.