A17698:2002
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 it is said further, that if the people do the things that are right and just before God, they shall be blessed, both they and their children. Hereby we be still warned, that if we will direct our life aright, we must not follow our own good intents as they call them, but hearken what God saith unto us, and rest simply upon his will, as shall be declared more at large to morrow by Gods will. Nevertheless Moses warneth the people here as he doth in many other places, that they must not demean themselves after their own fancies, but in any wise give ear unto God. If thou do that which is good and righteous sayeth he; And in whose sight? In the sight of men? True it is that we ought to live in such sort as we give no cause of offence to any body, so as if any speak evil of us, they may have their mouths stopped. But yet must not men be made judges of their lives; that authority must be reserved unto GOD. And that is the cause why the scripture meaning to betoken an angelical perfection, sayeth that such a man hath walked before God. For if we should fashion our selves after the world, what a thing were it? We see how the greatest multitude live out of all order, and so should we make evil custom a Law. When whoredom, drunkenness, outrage, violence, and blasphemy reigned; we would bear our selves in hand that such things were permitted us. And why? Because they be grown into custom.
Nowe it is saide further, that if the people doe the thinges that are right and iust before God, they shalbee blessed, both they and their children. Hereby wee bee still warned, that if wee will direct our life aright, wee must not followe our owne good intents as they cal them, but hearken what God sayth vnto vs, and rest simplie vppon his will, as shalbe declared more at large to morrowe by Gods will. Neuerthelesse Moses warneth the people here as he doth in manie other places, yt they must not demeane themselues after their owne fancies, but in any wise giue eare vnto God. If thou doe that which is good and righteous saieth he; And in whose sight? In the sight of men? True it is that we ought to liue in such sort as wee giue no cause of offence to any bodie, so as if any speake euil of vs, they may haue their mouthes stopped. But yet must not men bee made iudges of their liues; that authoritie must bee reserued vnto GOD. And that is the cause why the scripture meaning to betoken an angelicall perfection, saieth that such a man hath walked before God. For if wee shoulde fashion our selues after the worlde, what a thing were it? Wee see howe the greatest multitude liue out of all order, and so shoulde wee make euill custome a Lawe. When whoredome, drunkennesse, outrage, violence, and blasphemie reigned; wee woulde beare our selues in hande that such thinges were permitted vs. And why? Because they be growen into custome.