lively few and of a secondary class, the great body of editors adhere to the common text. If that text is correct, then the interpretation given in our English version is the most natural and suitable. Calvin applies this whole passage, with his usual vigour, to the monks of his day. Hujus loci expositio non aliunde petenda est quam a monachis : nam quum sint omnes fere indoctissimi asini, et tamen oblongse vestis et cu- culli causa docti censeantur : si quis tenuem modo gustum ele- gantioris literaturie habeat, pluraas suas instar pavonis fastuose extendit: spargitur de eo mirabilis fama, adoratur inter sodales. At si seposita cuculli larva ventum fuerit ad justum examen, deprehenditur vanitas. Cur hoc? Yerum quidem est vetus proverbium: Audax inscitia: sed inde praecipue monachalis insolentissimus ille fastus, quod se metiuntur ex se ipsis : nam quum in eorum claustris nihil sit praeter barbari- em, illic nihil mirum, si regnet luscus inter coecos.
13. But we will not boast of things without (our) measure, but according to the measure of the rule which God hath distributed to us, a measure to reach even unto you.
The words cts ra a/xcrpa may be taken adverbially, equiva- lent to afx€Tpu)s, hmnoderately^ beyond what is proper; or, since in the latter part of the verse jxirpov is used literally, they may be explained as in our version, in reference to things be- yond our measure, i. e. beyond the limits of my apostolic la- bours. This idea is clearly presented in the following verses ; but here the contrast with the preceding verse favours the former explanation. The false teachers set no limits to their boasting — self conceit and not facts determined the character and amount of their assumptions, and therefore their claims were inordinate. Paul expresses his determination to limit his claims to his actual gifts and labours. According to the measure of the rule^ Kara to fxcrpov tov kuvovos^ i. e. according to the measure determined by the rule, or line, that is, the measure allotted to him. The Kavojv is the rule, or measuring line, which, so to speak, God used in determining the apostle's gifts and sphere of activity. Paul's boasthig, therefoi-e, was not immoderate, but confined to just limits. According to Beza Kuvwv is used metonymically for that which is measured ; certuui et dehnitum spatium ; the district or diocese measured