Our first remark on this subject is, that the ministry is an office, and not merely a work.
Charles Hodge, “What is Presbyterianism?” from address delivered before the Presbyterian
Historical Society at Philadelphia” [Appendix No. 1] in A. A. Hodge, The Confession of
Faith (Carlisle, PA: The Banner of Truth Trust, reprint 1998), 408.
Therefore, it is here necessary to remember, that whatever authority and dignity the
John Calvin, The Institutes of the Christian Religion, trans. Henry Beveridge (Grand Rapids, MI: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1989), Book IV.VIII.2.
Holy Spirit in Scripture confers on priests, or prophets, or apostles, or successors of
Apostles, is wholly given not to men themselves, but to the ministry to which they are
appointed; or, to speak more plainly, to the word, to the ministry of which they are
appointed.
For were we to go over the whole in order, we should find that they were not invested
John Calvin, The Institutes of the Christian Religion, trans. Henry Beveridge (Grand Rapids, MI: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing
with authority to teach or give responses, save in the name and word of the Lord. For
whenever they are called to office, they are enjoined not to bring anything of their own,
but to speak by the mouth of the Lord.
Company, 1989), Book IV.VIII.2.