A17698:1930
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.
Moreover the §30heathen had a Temple which was called the Temple of all gods: and we do now call it the Church of all Saints or all Hallows. See what an act worthy of remembrance and an Angelical act the Pope thought he did, as the Papists can well skill to make their brags. For •o (say they) there is a temple called the Temple of all the gods: but what? We have but one God, and therefore it must not continue after that fashion. Well, we will change the word,§40 and whereas the heathen had a Temple which they called the Temple of All their gods, we will have it the Church of all Hallows, and we will have a Church holiday added to it. Again when they saw that the heathen had their sacrifices: Needs must they also have their Masses set up in the room of them. Moreover perceiving that the heathen had their washings, they also would needs have their holy water. To be short, whatsoever filth and infection was among the Infidels; §50the Papists took it to themselves to keep. And what was the cause thereof? Even for want of taking heed to this text, wherein it is said that whereas the Infidels have many devotions devised of their own brain; we must not covet to do the like to our God, nor look that way; but we must hearken what he saith and commandeth. Were this saying of Moseses understood; all the devilish devises that have reigned & do reign still at this day in the Popedom, should §60get them away to the bottom of hell. For we see here a general condemnation, whereby GOD showeth that he hateth all such things. And why? Because he will not have men to deal with him as the ignorant do with their Idols. A thing may seem fair to the worldwarde, & men may clap their hands at it: but behold God saith here, I will not be served after such fashion, or such manner, let not men presume into my presence to devise what they think good themselves. And if it be alleged, yea, but shall such a thing be evil taken, when I do it in the honour of God? Shall it be said that I serve Idols, when I do such a thing of a good intent, and all to serve God? Is it so great an evil that men should cry out at it? No, no, men must hearken what God commandeth, and ground themselves altogether thereupon, so as they presume not to add any thing thereunto.