A17698:1099
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.
Furthermore to the intent that men may not think that Jesus Christ is not to be heard, but only in his own person: he saith, he that heareth you,1 heareth me, and he that refuseth or despiseth you, despiseth me, and him that sent me. In deed the Pope and his champions like a sort of traitors to God, usurp that saying to maintain their own tyranny: but §20it belongeth as much to them as to the devil of hell. And why? for first they should bring us the pure doctrine of our Lord Jesus Christ. For the son of God hath not resigned his office to men to be spoiled thereof, he will not have us governed after the liking of men: but he himself will always have the preeminence and sovereignty over us that was given unto him. Now then, whereas he saith that in hearkening to those whom he sendeth, we hearken §30to him: his meaning is, that if we obey the doctrine of his Gospel, without despising of it when it is preached to us by men: it is all one as if he himself spake to us, and we must not in this case rest upon the outward appearance. And that is it that Saint Paul meaneth in saying, that although we be brittle vessels,2 yea and as broken vessels of no value nor worthiness: yet the inestimable treasure that is committed unto us, is not the worse or of less estimation & value §40therefore. True it is that we cannot purchase the word of God such reverence as we fain would. And why? For we have not any thing in us (I mean of our own) whereby it may be said that God should be exalted: but yet must we approve our obedience in this behalf, namely that we deliver God his word with such boldness, courage, and power as if he himself spake in us. And herewithall let all loftiness be corrected in this case, and let every man receive §50the doctrine of the Gospel in simplicity, and without disputing or scanning why we be bound to submit our selves to mortal men. For inasmuch as it were a despising of Gods son,3 yea and of the heavenly father himself who ordained him to be the chief teacher, if we should not hear those whom he sendeth as his messengers: it standeth us in hand to yield in that behalf.