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…

Let us content our selves with this, namely, that his ordinance ought too suffice us, and that if we will needs fall too reasoning of the matter, we shall ever be put too shame, because there is is no wisdom but only his good will. Also let us mark that which is said immediately in this text: namely that it is Gods will that there should be order of ministry or Service. As if it were said, God could well bring us too perfection by him self, without any other mean or help: Howbeit for as ⟨p. 180⟩much as he will be served by men, and he applieth them too such use, as he maketh them ministers, so as men perceive that the praise of our salvation is always dew to him, & that all goodness cometh of him: it behoveth men to submit themselves thereto. But here it might be thought strange why Saint Paul in stead of speaking of the gifts of the holy Ghost, bringeth us unto Offices. For he began with this matter, namely that our Lord Jesus Christ gave gifts according too the measure which he knoweth to be fit for us, and that in divers manners, by means whereof he filleth all things. Now to confirm this he sayeth, that there are Apostles, Shepherds, Teachers and Evangelists. It should seem that S. Paul doth not well continue •he process of the matter that he treated of. But here we have too note, (as we see also more largely in the first too the Corinthians,¹ that for as much as our Lord Jesus hath stablished the order that we have spoken of already, and continueth the same still in his Church, so as it is his will that there should be Shepherds, Prophets, and Teachers: he doth also furnish them out of hand with the things that are requisite for the executing of their office. For he dealeth not after the manner of men. We for our part may choose one man to be in office of Magistrate, and another too be a Preacher: but in the mean while we cannot give them that which is requisite for them. For we cannot make a new man of him that is advanced too honour: but he must abide still the same that he was for all us. Also when it cometh too the election, every man gives his voice. Very well, he that is chosen shall be officer: but yet in the mean while, he shall continue still the same he was before. In like case is it with Shepherds. We may well choose a man, and he shall perchance prove a beast.

Let vs content our selues with this, namely, that his ordinance ought too suffize vs, and that if wee will needes fall too reasoning of the matter, wee shall euer bee put too shame, bycause there is is no wisdome but only his good will. Also let vs mark that which is sayd immediatly in this text: namely that it is Gods will that there should be order of ministery or Seruice. As if it were sayd, God could well bring vs too perfection by him self, without any other meane or helpe: Howbeeit for as