A17698:1420
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.
They would fall to making of their conjurings upon Corn and wine: now if we might not be so bold as to eat of the Corn that were so charmed, or to drink of the wine that weer so conjured: if we might not touch any thing which they had defiled with their pelting trash: we should be fain to starve for hunger. But they have not any power over the creatures of God, in so much that they continue pure of themselves, spite of all their abominations. Nevertheless it was Gods will to hold the people of old time in awe, after the manner of young children as I said afore. But he hath given us greater liberty at this day. And what manner of liberty? Not a licentious liberty do what we list:1 for S. Paul addeth the exception, that although we have greater liberty now adays than the Jews had, yet must we not therefore lay the bridle in our necks: but we must have a special care to behave our selves honestly, and to be constant in serving GOD purely. For as I said, we shall always be weak, and may easily swerve aside to idolatry: and therefore we must cut off all occasions thereof. And yet notwithstanding, we may use the things that are good of themselves: yea, so we do it without giving any cause of offence, and beware that we wipe away all that may induce us to evil and to the corrupting of Gods service. That is the thing which we have to remember upon this place. For it behoveth us to mark well the resemblance that is between us and the Jews, and the diversity that is between [the liberty of] the Law, and the liberty that God giveth us now a days. But yet must we moderate this liberty in such sort, as it turn not into looseness to give over our selves to evil, knowing that we be but too much inclined thereunto, and we should be yet much more provoked unto it, if we would needs have furtherances and seek occasions thereof. And in this respect was Achan stoned to death for stealing of the baggage that was about the puppets [of the Canaanites].2 ⟨p. 345⟩Surely his intent was not to build any altar with them: but he was led to it by his covetousness, [which made him believe] that if he could filch and convey them away cleanly, he should save so much by it. But all the people were fain to be accursed for it, until it was bewrayed. Lots were cast: