A17698:2000
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.
Now as touching the Vows and Oblations whereof Moses speaketh so much; let us remember what hath bin said heretofore; namely how it is not Gods will that his people should eat and §20drink, without having some record that all cometh of him. As for example, whereas at this day he giveth us leave to eat and drink, every man according to his ability; his meaning is that we should give our neighbours part with us, and show by our almsdeeds that we do homage unto him with the things that he hath given us, as belonging unto him alone. There is not nowadays the like order that was under the Law of Moses, concerning oblations,§30 firstfruits, and Sacrifices: but Almsdeeds are the sacrifices that God liketh of, as is showed unto us,1 specially in the Epistle to the Hebrews. And it is a doctrine that is very rife in the holy scriptures. But there it is said expressly, that we must not forget the brotherly love which we ought to have in succouring our neighbours that are distressed: for they be the sacrifices which God requireth and alloweth. Sith it is so then, let us mark well, that §40if a man have wherewith to maintain himself abundantly, he must not exempt himself from doing service unto God therewithal. And after what manner? Every man must strain himself to the uttermost of his power to succour and relieve such as have scarcity & want of worldly goods. Thus ye see how the right use which our Lord appointeth to all his creatures, is to offer them up unto him, to show that we hold all of him. That is the very meaning §50that was intended in all the first fruits of old time. And although the Ceremony continue not at this day; yet ought the truth thereof to reign still among us. Wherefore let us learn to cherish our selves in such sort, as we forget not other folks: and specially let us bear in mind, that our unthankfulness will defile all our good fare, if we acknowledge not God to be the giver of all things unto us. We hear what our Lord Jesus Christ said to the §60hypocrites that took great pains to make clean their vessels that there might be no spot in them.2