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

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 t•e 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 ⟨image 114⟩good ministers of the word of God, but such as have first been his scholars, and which usurp not a mastership over others, to bring unto them whatsoever shall seem good to them selves. And we must not here be to wise: for God reserveth unto himself this office, to declare that unto us, which he will have us to know. It is not here simply said, Hear that which God shall say unto thee, and then come and tell it us: but it is said, All that which God shall say to thee: so that there is no point nor article which may be omitted, in such sort, that Moses is here put beside all liberty of presuming to declare any thing, but that which God appointeth, and commandeth him to declare. And now, what are these filths of the world, which will dare advance themselves above Moses? We shall in the end see, that there never was any Prophet raised with so singular a grace as was Moses.

Behold one note to bee obserued. But withall, let vs also note, vnder what condition wee must haue and receiue Pastours. For this place is to discerne betweene sductors and deceiuers, which falslie abuse the name of GOD, and attribute vnto themselues the title of Prelates without time or reason, and betwene the true Prophets and good seruitours of God, and ministers of the Gospell. The Pope and all his pestilent vermine will say, that men must heare them, and receiue their doctrine, without any contradiction. And why? For God would there should bee Prelates in the church, and will that men heare and obey them. All this is true. But in the meane while, is this title geuen indifferentlie vnto all, and without discretion? No. But God hath withall adioined that he will be chiefe, that we be subiect vnto him, and not in the seruitude of men. Seeing then it is so, wee must knowe what Prelates and what Doctors God sendeth vs, as we are directed by this place: namelie, such as heare what God shall say vnto them, and then deliuer it faithfullie to the people. So they which would be heard in the name of GOD, and that men receiue their doctrine in all reuerence, let them bee te first to heare God, let them not attempt to adde any thing vnto the word of God: but let then be tractable, and easie to be taught of God: and when they shall haue bene instructed by God, let them dispense vnto others that which they haue receiued from God. For none are to be accounted