Commentary on Matthew, Mark, Luke - Volume 2.pdf

<strong>Commentary</strong> on Matthew, Mark, Luke - Volume 2
to be subject to men — as wicked profligates often make bold appeals to the heavenly tribunal 563
— Christ, in order to subdue this obstinacy by terror, threatens that the condemnation, which is
now despised by them, will be ratified in heaven. He encourages his followers, at the same time,
to maintain proper severity, and not to yield to the wicked obstinacy of those who reject or shake
off discipline. 564
Hence, too, we may see how absurdly the Papists torture this passage to cloak every species of
tyranny. That the right of excommunication is granted to the Church is certain, and is acknowledged
by every person of sound judgment; but does it follow that any individual, even though not called
by the Church, but elected 565 by a mitered and disguised beast, shall at his own caprice throw out
the useless squibs of excommunications? 566 On the contrary, it is evident that the lawful government
of the Church is committed to elders, and not only to the ministers of the word, but to those also
who, taken from among the people, have been added to them for the superintendence of morals.
And yet, not satisfied with this impudence, they endeavor even to prove from this passage that we
must bear all the burdens which they shall impose. I do not mention that the power which has been
granted to the Church is basely seized and carried off by those outrageous enemies of the Church;
and I only mention that, since Christ speaks only about correcting offenders, those who by their
laws ensnare souls are chargeable with not less folly than wickedness in abusing this passage. Of
the same stamp is their defense of their auricular confession on this pretense; for if Christ intended
that those who by their own fault had been brought even to a public sentence should be reconciled
to the Church, he does not therefore lay an obligations 567 on every individual to pour his sins into
the ear of the priest. But their fooleries are so ridiculous, that it is unnecessary to spend any longer
time in refuting them.
19. Again I say to you. He confirms the former statement; for not only will God bestow the
spirit of wisdom and prudence on those who ask it, but he will also provide that not one thing which
they shall do according to his word shall want its power and effect. By uniting agreement with
prayer, he reminds us with what moderation and humility believers ought to conduct themselves
in all religious acts. 568 The offender must be admonished, and, if he does not receive correction,
he must be excommunicated. Here it is not only necessary to ask counsel at the sacred mouth of
God, so that nothing may be determined but by his word, but it is proper at the same time to begin
563 “Comme souventesfois on verra de meschans garnemens sans crainte de Dieu, qui diront tout haut et hardiment qu’ils
appellent au jugement celeste;” — “as we shall often see wicked profligates without the fear of God, who will quite loudly and
boldly say that they appeal to the heavenly tribunal.”
564 “Qui reietteront la discipline, et n’y voudront ployer le col;” — “who will reject discipline, and will refuse to bend the neck
to it.”
565 “Mais estant cree et ordonne;” — “but being created and appointed.”
566 “Et les face peter pour faire peur a qui bon luy semble;” — “and make them crack to frighten whomsoever he pleases.”
567 “Il ne s’ensuit pas pourtant qu’il ait impose loy.”
568 “En tous actes concernans la service et la parolle de Dieu;” — “in all acts relating to the service and the word of God.”
253
John Calvin