Schaff - History of the Christian Church Vol. 8 - Media Sabda Org

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a reason why we should withdraw from it. It only behooves us to labor that
we may be the wheat, and to use our utmost endeavors and exertions that
we may be vessels of gold or of silver. But to break in pieces the vessels of
earth belongs to the Lord alone, to whom a rod of iron is also given. Nor
let any one arrogate to himself what is the exclusive province of the Son of
God, by pretending to fan the floor, clear away the chaff, and separate all
the tares by the judgment of man. This is proud obstinacy, and sacrilegious
presumption, originating in a corrupt frenzy.’
“Let these two points, then, be considered as decided: first, that he who
voluntarily deserts the external communion of the Church where the Word
of God is preached, and the sacraments are administered, is without any
excuse; secondly, that the faults either of few persons or of many form no
obstacles to a due profession of our faith in the use of the ceremonies
instituted by God; because the pious conscience is not wounded by the
unworthiness of any other individual, whether he be a pastor or a private
person; nor are the mysteries less pure and salutary to a holy and upright
man, because they are received at the same time by the impure.”
How, then, with such high churchly views, could Calvin justify his
separation from the Roman Church in which he was born and trained? He
vindicated his position in the Answer to Sadolet, from which we have given
large extracts. f652 He did it more fully in his masterly work, “On the
Necessity of Reforming the Church,” which, “in the name of all who wish
Christ to reign,” he addressed to the Emperor Charles V. and the Diet to
be assembled at Speier in February, 1544. It is replete with weighty
arguments and accurate learning, and by far one of the ablest controversial
books of that age. f653 The following is a passage bearing upon this
point: f654
“The last and principal charge which they bring against us is, that we have
made a schism in the Church. And here they fiercely maintain against us,
that for no reason is it lawful to break the unity of the Church. How far
they do us injustice the books of our authors bear witness. Now, however,
let them take this brief reply—that we neither dissent from the Church, nor
are aliens from her communion. But, as by this specious name of Church,
they are wont to cast dust in the eyes even of persons otherwise pious and
right-hearted, I beseech your Imperial Majesty, and you, Most Illustrious
Princes, first, to divest yourselves of all prejudice, that you may give an
impartial ear to our defence; secondly, not to be instantly terrified on