A17698:1044
Sermons upon Deuteronomy
The sermons of M. John Calvin upon the fifth book of Moses called Deuteronomy faithfully gathered word for word as he preached them in open pulpit; together with a preface of the ministers of the Church of Geneva, and an admonishment made by the deacons there. Also there are annexed two profitable tables, the one containing the chief matters; the other the places of Scripture herein alleged. Translated out of French by Arthur Golding.The sermons of M. Iohn Caluin vpon the fifth booke of Moses called Deuteronomie faithfully gathered word for word as he preached them in open pulpet; together with a preface of the ministers of the Church of Geneua, and an admonishment made by the deacons there. Also there are annexed two profitable tables, the one containing the chiefe matters; the other the places of Scripture herein alledged. Translated out of French by Arthur Golding.
London: printed by Henry Middleton for George Bishop, 1583
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
he posted over it as it had been upon burning coals as they say, so as he tasted not the strength and power of the law, ne knew what sin was that he might condemn himself and flee to Gods mercy for refuge, wherein the hope of our salvation lieth, and ought to be grounded. Seeing that S. Paul could not conceive the meaning of the law nor attain to the right understanding thereof, but by this clause let us determine with our selves to travel the earnestlyer in it. And sith he was so blind all the time of his life until his conversion, that he understood not that saying: we ought to take the better heed of it, as I told you before. For we be not of better ability than he: but God must be fain to show us by his holy spirit, what is meant by this coveting or lusting, which is condemned in this place.
hee posted ouer it as it had beene vppon burning coales as they say, so as he tasted not the strength and power of the lawe, ne knewe what sinne was that hee might condemne himselfe and flee to Gods mercie for refuge, wherein the hope of our saluation lyeth, and ought to bee grounded. Seing that S. Paul could not conceiue the meaning of the lawe nor attaine to the right vnderstanding thereof, but by this clause let vs determine with our selues to trauell ye earnestlyer in it. And sith hee was so blinde all the time of his life vntill his conuersion, that he vnderstoode not that saying: wee ought to take the better heede of it, as I tolde you before. For wee be not of better abilitie than hee: but God must bee faine to shewe vs by his holy spirite, what is ment by this coueting or lusting, which is condemned in this place.
But now besides this, we have here another warning which is right necessary for us. For the devil hath laboured to cover this commandment after such a sort, as Gods intent and meaning might not be known, but that men might lightly pass over all wicked lusts, which were seen to be sin, and whereof every man might have proof in himself. Insomuch that men restrained this word lust, to none other affections than such as import a resolute purpose or full intent: but that is contrary to the plain meaning of Moses. And let us consider what is come to pass in the Popedom. For although the Papists cannot deny, but that to be provoked and stirred up to evil desires, is a damnable fault, and springeth of original sin, and of the corruption which we receive from our father Adam: yet notwithstanding they imagine that after baptism it is no longer sin, though there come a thought into a mans