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…

And herwithall let us still have an eye too that which I said afore: which is, that they too whom God giveth most of his grace, must consider that by that means they be the more bound to employ them selves in the place that our Lord hath assigned them too, and whereunto it is his pleasure too appropriate them. He then that hath knowledge, must not exalt himself for it, but consider that he is a better too the whole body,¹ and (thereupon) examine well how he may serve too the glory of God, with the things that he hath put him in trust withal, and make the gift which he hath received profitable,² assuring him self that the use thereof is common too all men, and that although God have committed it too his custody, and will have him too be the keeper of it: yet must he not hold it as a treasure, locked up in a hutch: but impart it abroad to such as want it, and have need of it. Herwithal also let us keep us from envying of those whom it is Gods will to honour after that fashion, that there be no spitefulness in us too say, Why, and is it meet that such a one should be preferred before me? For in so doing we spite God. And therefore let every of us know his own state and degree, and not stand in contention with our God, assuring our selves that the things which he hath ordained in his Church, are done by unrevocable judgment. Wherefore let us abhor these madbraynes, that would take away the order which we see too be grounded upon the authority of the son of God. There are, that think the preaching of the Gospel too be a needless thing, and that it serveth as it were but for little children, and that they them selves have the holy Ghost (at commandment,) too reveal things too them from heaven every minute of an hour. But it is certain that the Devil blindeth them in that overweening, and men know that he had won the goal, if the mean of our salvation were abolished and taken away. For like as S. Paul sayeth, that the preaching of the Gospel must serve too make the Church perfect,³ that we may be brought too the kingdom of heaven: so on the contrary part, when there is no more any doctrine or Shepherd, the devil must needs so overmaster us, as we shall be scattered asunder, and nothing shall remain but ruin and destruction.

And herwithall let vs still haue an eye too that which I sayd afore: which is, that they too whom God giueth most of his grace, must consider that by that meanes they be the more bound to imploy them selues in the place that our Lord hath assigned them too, and wheruntoo it is his pleasure too appropriate them. He then that hath knowledge, must not exalt himself for it, but consider that he is a better too the whole bodie,