A17698:1968
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.
Moses going forward still with his matter, commandeth the Jews here to be §30merry in the presence of the Lord. Now although this lesson have bin laid forth already, yet is it requisite for us to be put in mind of it again. For the treating of it here new again, is not for nought, neither hath the holy Ghost set down any thing more than needeth, as I have said heretofore. Men cannot keep measure in their mirth without some disorder always. And the cause thereof §40it that they have not an eye unto God in their making merry. Nay rather (which worse is) they think it is no mirth at all unless they turn their backs upon him. Whereas we should seek all our welfare in GOD to have our rest there: we bear our selves in hand that we be best at ease when we be furthest from him. For this cause God ordained the said Ceremony of solemn feasting when the folk offered sacrifice unto him, as it were of purpose to put §50them in remembrance, that God was there present, and showed himself unto them. Not that the doing thereof once a year was a sufficient discharge to them; but that every man ought to make a lesson & a general rule of it, that whensoever they did eat or drink, they should refer it wholly unto God,1 accordingly as Saint Paul warneth us to do. And thereby we see that the truth thereof abideth unto us, though the Ceremony thereof be done away. Wherefore §60let us learn, that in playing and sporting after the fashion of the children of this world, we shake off God and bereave him of his honour. And surely it is an unexcusable unthankfulness, when we acknowledge not the author of all welfare. If we refer all our mirth unto God, it will be always moderate. Besides that it shall ever have a good end, God will so hold us in awe by his Majesty, as we shall not pass our bounds as we see the wretched and blind unbelievers do, who have no more stay of themselves in their making merry, than wild beasts have. Now then, if our eyes be so set upon God; we shall be sober and modest enough. Mark that for one point.
MOses going forewarde still with his matter, commaundeth the Iewes here to bee §30merrie in the presence of the Lorde. Now although this lesson haue bin laide foorth alreadie, yet is it requisite for vs to bee put in minde of it againe. For the treating of it heere newe againe, is not for nought, neither hath the holy Ghost set down any thing more than needeth, as I haue sayde heretofore. Men cannot keepe measure in their mirth without some disorder alwayes. And the cause therof