A17698:1306
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 likewise particularly, let every man look well to his own house, that he retain not any thing which may cover any wickedness, or which is not fully agreeable and conformable to the simplicity of Gods word. For as many as dispense with themselves in that case, shall feel it turn to their ruin in their end.1 We see how it befell to Gideon who was chosen of God, and by whom so many noble deeds were done. Only because he made an Ephod and caused a certain devotion to be set up: there ensued great destruction after his death. And after the same manner we see how a great number do keep still their chapels. If they have any Castle or great house, there must be a chapel for a memorial of their ancestors, in remembrance that there was such a thing, and such an antiquity. They then which will needs have some remnant after that fashion for vainglory, must see at length that they have covered a fire, which shall consume themselves and their children, as the deed of Gideon was the cause of the undoing and destruction of his Image, as I said afore. And therefore let us bear in mind, that wheresoever GOD giveth us power, we must so hate all the marks of superstition, as we must do what we can to wipe them out that they may no more be had in remembrance. And let us always bethink us of the two reasons which I alleged before. Now for confirmation hereof, Moses addeth that ⟨p. 312⟩the people of the Jews are holy, and that they ought to dedicate themselves wholly unto God: even because they had been chosen (saith he) to be a peculiar people in the whole world. Whereas he saith that the Jews are a holy people: he meaneth that they ought to be separated from the Heathen and Infidels. For if we take example at those to whom God hath not granted such grace as he hath done to us: is it not as good as a thrusting of the privilege under foot which he hath given §10us? Behold, God showeth us his will, and he vouchsafeth to have his word preached unto us: and is that to no purpose? is it for nought? Whereas God cometh down unto us, and communicateth himself so familiarly unto us: doeth that honour which he doth us, and that grace which he vouchsafeth to use towards us, serve to no use nor profit?
And likewise particularly, let euerie man looke well to his owne house, that hee retaine not any thing which may couer any wickednesse, or which is not fully agreeable and conformable to the simplicitie of Gods worde. For as manie as dispence with themselues in that case, shall feele it turne to their ruine in their ende.