A17698:132
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.
Wherefore let us mark well this lesson wherein it is said that the judgement is Gods, that is to say, that the superiority which men have, in what degree so ever it be, is not to diminish Gods preeminence, but rather to maintain it. What then are the states of honour and all the dignities of the world? They are all means to bring to pass that God may reign over us, and to make all §10men to stoop to him, and to know him and obey him in all cases. So then, what ought kings, Emperors, and Magistrates to do? They ought to see that God be exalted and magnified as he is worthy, and that all their subjects do him homage, and they themselves must show them the way. Again, what ought schoolmasters and fathers to do, and all such as have any household [or servants]? Every of them ought to consider on his own behalf how §20greatly God hath inhonored him? He that hath children ought to consider, thou holdest Gods place in this room of a father, but yet hath not GOD stripped himself to clothe thee with his honour. What then? He is the father still, both of me and of my children, therefore must I endeavour that he may be obeyed. The master must think thus: Is the mastership mine? No: but it is Gods, who hath granted me that prerogative undeserved on my part. It hath pleased §30him to put this household under my government, but yet for all that, it is he that must rule me, yea both me and all that are under my subjection. After this manner ought we to put this doctrine in ure.
Wherefore let vs marke well this lesson wherein it is saide that the iudgement is Gods, that is to say, that the superioritie which men haue, in what degree so euer it bee, is not to diminish Gods preheminence, but rather to maintaine it. What then are the states of honour and all the dignities of the worlde? They are all meanes to bring to passe that God may reigne ouer vs, and to make all §10men to stoope to him, and to knowe him and obey him in all cases. So then, what ought kings, Emperours, and Magistrates to doe? They ought to see that God be exalted and magnified as he is worthie, and that all their subiectes doe him homage, and they themselues must shewe them the way. Againe, what ought schoolemasters and fathers to doe, and all such as haue anie householde [or seruauntes]? Euerie of them ought to consider on his owne behalfe howe