The sermons of M. John Calvin, upon the Epistle of S. Paul too the…The sermons of M. Iohn Caluin, vpon the Epistle of S. Paule too the…

11. And the very same hath given, some Apostles, and some Prophets, and some Evangelists, and some Shepherds and Teachers. 12. For the reparation of the Saints, too the work of administration, and for the edifying of the body of Christ.

11. And the very same hath giuen, some Apostles, and some Prophets, and some Euangelistes, and some Shepherdes and Teachers. 12. For the reparation of the Sainctes, too the vvoorke of administration, and for the edifying of the body of Christ.

We have seen heretofore how our Lord Jesus Christ hath not withdrawn his power far from us, though he be exalted above the heavens. There is a great distance betwixt him and us, as in respect of the absence of his body out of the world: but yet do we find him always present by the power of his holy spirit, and by that means doth he fill all things. And now S. Paul showeth, that this manner of filling, is too the intent that every faithful man, should with all lowliness serve his own turn, with the gifts and grace which it hath pleased our Lord too bestow upon those whom he hath set in his Church too govern it: and that on the other side, they that have received the larger measure, should not advance themselves for all that, nor draw alone by themselves, but endeavour too do service too the common benefit, salvation, and welfare of all Gods children. The sum therefore of that which S. Paul was minded too say, is, that Jesus Christ having all riches in him, hath not dealt thereof unto every of us part and partlyke, at leastwise so as we should all be throughly perfect: (for he meant it not) but that he hath distributed them by measure.¹ And in very deed, the order which he hath set in his Church showeth it. For all are not Prophets,² all are not Teachers, all are not Evangelists. Then doth it follow, that Christ intendeth too distribute his gifts by certain measure. And thereupon we have too conclude, that he which presumeth of himself, and surmiseth that he hath all that is requisite: doth foully deceive himself two ways. For there is not that man which hath received such perfection, but that he hath need too profit still with his brethren. That is one point. Again, he that is the excellentest of all others, is most bound too do good with the things that God hath committed to his charge, or to his trust as a pan. On the contrary part, the meaner and the ignorant sort, must not envy them that go before them in learning and wisdom, because it is Jesus Christs will, too have it so, and so must it be, seeing he will have his Church governed by the means of men. Now then we see whereat the Prophet aimed: namely that we should so suffer our selves too be filled with the spiritual gifts that belong too our salvation, as none of us refuse too be taught by the means of men.