Sermons of M. John Calvin, upon the.X.Commandments of the Law, given of GodSermons of M. Iohn Caluine, vpon the.X.Commandementes of the Lawe, geuen of God

Seeing it is so, let none oppose himself against it, but let us patiently bear it, that God raise up them amongst us, by whom he will be served to bring unto us the embassage of salvation. And let us not murmur at this, that every one of us hath not such a privilege: for he will that his body, that is, his church, be so governed. Ye see then what we have to gather upon this place: namely, that sithence GOD hath appointed ministers of his word, we hear them quietly and contentivelie, that there be no envying or malicing for this, if all be not Doctors and teachers, and that GOD appoint not every one unto this office. For we must be ordered according to his good pleasure, as we have already said.

Seeing it is so, let none oppose himselfe against it, but let vs patiently beare it, that God raise vp them amongst vs, by whom he will be serued to bring vnto vs the embassage of saluation. And let vs not murmur at this, that euerie one of vs hath not such a priuiledge: for hee will that his bodie, that is, his church, bee so gouerned. Ye see then what wee haue to gather vppon this place: namelie, that sithence GOD hath appointed ministers of his worde, wee heare them quietlie and contentiuelie, that there bee no enuying or malicing for this, if all be not Doctors and teachers, and that GOD appoint not euerie one vnto this office. For wee must bee ordered according to his good pleasure, as we haue alreadie said.

Behold one note to be observed. But withal, let us also note, under what condition we must have and receive Pastors. For this place is to discern between s•ductors and deceivers, which falsely abuse the name of GOD, and attribute unto themselves the title of Prelates without time or reason, and between the true Prophets and good servitors of God, and ministers of the Gospel. The Pope and all his pestilent vermin will say, that men must hear them, and receive their doctrine, without any contradiction. And why? For God would there should be Prelates in the church, and will that men hear and obey them. All this is true. But in the mean while, is this title given indifferently unto all, and without discretion? No. But God hath withal adjoined that he will be chief, that we be subject unto him, and not in the servitude of men. Seeing then it is so, we must know what Prelates and what Doctors God sendeth us, as we are directed by this place: namely, such as hear what God shall say unto them, and then deliver it faithfully to the people. So they which would be heard in the name of GOD, and that men receive their doctrine in all reverence, let them be te first to hear God, let them not attempt to add any thing unto the word of God: but let then be tractable, and easy to be taught of God: and when they shall have been instructed by God, let them dispense unto others that which they have received from God. For none are to be accounted