A17698:1987
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.
Nay the world had lever to maintain such as should never speak word of it, than to have a preacher that would rebuke sin livelily. And if it were in the worlds choice, it had always lever to maintain a whole convent of Monks & Canons to howl out with full gorge, than to find one preacher that would speak as he ought to do. Men can be contented to have Organs. And why? For they put men to no grief by rebuking their sins. But as for such as preach §60Gods word to the quick, men could find in their hearts that they were rid out of the world, if it were possible. And therefore it is not without cause that our Lord saith he will not have them forsaken, which bear abroad the true doctrine in his name. For by that means folk bereave themselves of the food of life, in that they refuse to maintain those that bring them the doctrine of salvation, which is all one as if they meant to starve themselves for hunger. And that is the cause also why Saint Paul standeth so much upon that warning. Certain it is that he sought not his own profit.1 Insomuch that he forbore to take his due wages in some places, because he saw that men grudged at it. And he chose rather to take it of other Churches, where he served not, than of y• Corinthians, because of the unthankfulness, which he saw among them. Nay, he chose to labour with his own hands, rather than he would give them any occasion to speak ill of him. Thus have we a man that is not given to his own profit, but rather forbeareth willingly even that which God had granted unto him; and yet he ceaseth not to tell them, that the preachers of Gods word ought to be found & maintained. And why is that? Because we see the devils subtlety, who desireth nothing so much as that the Churches should be destitute of good shepherds. Again Saint Paul hath an eye to the spitefulness of the world. And that is the cause why he standeth so much upon the said point, That those to whom God hath committed the charge of the preaching of his world, should be faithfully maintained. It is a great matter (saith he) that we for bringing our spiritual goods unto you, should have wherewith to sustain our bodies.2 It is a very fair recompense. And yet if it mislike you, you show great malice, and that ye set but little store by the inestimable treasure sent you of God.