A17698:1140
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.
Besides this we be also put in mind, that God hath showed us the right way. Therefore let us follow it, and not stand questioning what we have to do. For there is no more cause of doubt when our Lord hath once spoken. We must not any more allege, I cannot tell whether it be good, I wot not whether I need to do more or no: but let us be contented with that which God hath showed us. For he will always be a good schoolmaster unto us, if we be not evil scholars unto him. And for the same cause speaketh he here again of Commandments Statutes and Ordinances, to the intent we should not think that God meant to teach us by halves. ⟨p. 266⟩Then is the perfection of wisdom contained in the Law: and there remaineth no more for us to do,1 but to obey it, so as we be not curious in coveting more than God hath showed us, or in fond devotions to draw us one way or other, but persuade our selves that God hath not envied those of whom he took the charge, but hath taught them all that is for their benefit. Let us behave our selves according to his will, and apply all our wits thereunto, and let his §10law suffice us. Although all the world reject us, we shall not pass for it, for we have our judge. And therefore although the world wander away in vain imaginations, and every man deviseth what he thinketh good: Let us always remember that we must appear before the judgement seat of our God,2 so as it is he to whom we must make our account. But he hath given us his Law, and according thereunto will he judge us.3 And therefore §20let us leave all worldly imaginations, assuring ourselves that they are all but vanity and leasing.
Besides this wee bee also put in minde, that God hath shewed vs the right way. Therefore let vs followe it, and not stand questioning what wee haue to doe. For there is no more cause of doubt when our Lorde hath once spoken. Wee must not any more alledge, I cannot tell whether it bee good, I wote not whether I neede to do more or no: but let vs be contented with that which God hath shewed vs. For hee will alwayes be a good schoolemaster vnto vs, if we bee not euill scholers vnto him. And for the same cause speaketh hee here againe of Commandements Statutes and Ordinances, to the intent we shold not think that God ment to teach vs by halues.