A17698:1127
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.
And that was the very cause of the great number of ordinances, laws, and ceremonies that are set up in popery. The Jews had the like vice among them, according as they be blamed for despising of Gods commandments & statutes,1 for their own traditions sakes. Now then, let us keep us from walking on the right hand, so as we should turn from the way which God hath showed us. And why? For the right hand is when we will needs be too wise and too righteous, bearing our selves in hand that it is good for us to do more than we be commanded. But in so doing we be the devils servants, for God utterly refuseth all that ever we add to his word: he will have no such mingling.
And that was the very cause of the great number of ordinances, lawes, and ceremonies that are set vp in poperie. The Iewes had the like vice among them, according as they be blamed for despising of Gods commandementes & statutes,1 for their owne traditions sakes. Nowe then, let vs keepe vs from walking on the right hand, so as we should turne from the way which God hath shewed vs. And why? For the right hand is when we will needs bee too wise and too righteous, bearing our selues in hande that it is good for vs to do more than we be commaunded. But in so doing we be the diuels seruants, for God vtterly refuseth all that euer we adde to his word: he will haue no such mingling.
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And we decline or bow to the left hand, when we diminish Gods word, that is to say, when we be contented to serve him by halves, and therewithal would have him to give us leave to follow our own lusts. Some man peradventure is not subject to some vices: and well could he find in his heart to discharge his duty to Godward in serving him so far forth: but forasmuch as he cannot overmaster himself in some other vices, he would have God to hold himself contented, & to enter into a bargain with him, as if he should say, very well, if I fail in this behalf,