A17698:1600
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.
But now by the way, this seemeth to disagree with that which Moses addeth: that is to wit, that he should break the two tables with his own hands, as it were of purpose to separate God and the people asunder: & yet notwithstanding make intercession for them, yea & that after such a sort (as it is said in Exodus) as he was not contented to entreat God only with prayer & supplications:1 but also was inflamed with such ⟨p. 401⟩as he besought God (if it were possible) to take him out of this life, yea and even to wipe him out of the book of life, so as he might be accursed, conditionally that the people might escape. Here are two things which seem very disagreeable at the first sight: namely, that he should be so angry, and that he should on Gods behalf break and disannul the covenant, as who should say he meant to banish the people from the kingdom of heaven, and from all §10hope of salvation, yea and even from the inheritance that was promised them: and that yet notwithstanding, he should go and offer him self to GOD, to be punished for the peoples sakes, and to bear their curse both in his body and in his soul. But herein we see, that Gods servants may well have a burning zeal to execute their charge: and yet for all that, not cease to have pity & compassion on such as perish, and whom they be enforced to hate, and §20against whom they be driven to be sharp and rough. And Moseses zeal showed it self, not only in breaking both the Tables, but also in his doing of the execution that we read of in Exodus.2 For he did not only rebuke the people sharply: but also commanded the Levites to hallow their hands. And how? By killing all that ever they met with. Dedicate your selves this day unto the Lord saith he. So was that tribe chosen to do that execution.§30 And although they were ordained to the service of the sanctuary: yet is it told them that they must consecrate their hands unto GOD. And after what manner? By slaying their brethren, so as they spared not any man for kindreds sake. Indeed ye be all of Abraham's house (saith he): but yet must you execute vengeance this day, for the offence that hath been committed against GOD, in making the calf.