A17698:1419
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.
Now let us come to the second threat which §40he addeth. He sayeth, It is an abomination [or loathsomeness] before God: and therefore that every man must beware of the bringing in of such abomination for fear of being accursed. It should seem here that Gods rigour was too great, in forbidding the use of gold and silver. For are they not Gods good creatures, and such as may be put to good use? And although some men have abused the things which God did put into their hands: doth it follow that they have the power §50to defile his creatures, and to corrupt and mar them? No: For we hear how Saint Paul saith, that all things are pure and clean to such as have clean consciences before God:1 and there is no uncleanness, but that which proceedeth of our selves. How is it then that he forbiddeth folk to covet that gold or silver? Let us mark that this law is a part of the ancient order whereto God meant to bind the Jews: and I have told you already that the ten verses have §60one everlasting rule,2 which God hath given to continue to the worlds end. If we mind to have a doctrine that shall please and like God, our life must be conformable to the law that is contained in the ten commandments: howbeit, this present commandment served but for an order: like as when Christen magistrates make laws nowadays, are they against Gods word? No: but they do it in way of government and civill order, that their people may be held the better in the fear of God and in the right religion. Now then this law whereby God forbade the coveting of gold and silver, served but for a time. For God trained up that people like little babes. And Saint Paul allegeth the same similitude, which may be as a solution to the doubt that might be moved upon this present place.3 When little children are under Tutors and governors, they be held in the straiter awe, and they enjoy not their goods and liberty at their own will, insomuch that their state seemeth to be a bondage, and yet notwithstanding they be free, yea and heirs too, but they be not of age to have the guiding and governing of themselves. Even so the people of old time were in straiter subjection under the law, than we be nowadays [under the Gospel,] by reason whereof it is lawful for us to use the things which we may put to a good use. For otherwise the Papists might starve us.