Commentary upon the Epistle to the Romans

6 We having gifts. Paul doth not simply now preach of the maintaining of brotherly love amongest us: but he commendeth modesty, which is the moderator of our whole life.¹ Every man coveteth to have so much, that he might not stand need of any help of his brethren: but this is the bond of mutual communication, whiles no man hath sufficient for himself, but is con strained to borrow of others. I confess therefore that the society of the godly cannot stand, but whiles every one being content with his own measure, doth impart unto his brethren of those gifts •ee hath received, and again doth suffer himself to be ⟨image 179⟩holpen by other mens gifts. But Paul his meaning was chiefly to beat down that pride which he knew to be grafted in men, and least any man should be grieved that all things are not given unto him: he admonisheth, that not without the good counsel of God, every one hath his part given unto him: because it is necessary for the common benefit of the body, that none should be so furnished with the fullness of gifts, least he should securely despise his brethren. Here then we have the principal scope, whereunto the Apostle tendeth: namely, that all things are not meet for all men, but the gifts of God are so disposed, that every one might have his finite portion: and every one ought so to intend, in bestowing his gifts to the edification of the Church, that no man having left his own function, should take upon him another mans. For by this decent order, as it were due proportion, the incolumitie of the church is saved: when every man doth so bestow that he hath received to the common profit of others, that he doth not hinder others, He which perverteth this order, fighteth against God by whose ordinance it is ordained. For the difference of gifts did not spring from the will of men, but because it hath pleased the Lord so to dispose his grace.

6 Wee hauing gifts. Paul doth not simplie now preach of the mainteining of brotherly loue amongest vs: but he commendeth modestie, which is the moderatour of our whole life.¹ Euery man coueteth to haue so much, yt he might not stand need of any help of his brethren: but this is the bond of mutuall communication, whiles no man hath sufficient for himself, but is cō strained to borrow of others. I confesse therefore that the societie of the godly cannot stand, but whiles euery one being contēt with his owne measure, doth impart vnto his brethren of those giftes ee hath receiued, and againe doth suffer himselfe to bee