A17698:2092
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.
The Jews did not amiss in being zealous in punishing false prophets after that God had given them this law. Likewise in these days, whereas the Papists say that Heretics are to be punished; that is true, we confess that they be worthy of it. But therewithal they ought to come to the point that is set down here, namely, that it behooveth us to know which is the GOD whom we serve, and that we be sure that our religion is not a thing set forth at all adventure, but that we hold the infallible trueth of Gods own sending, and that it is preached unto us in his name & by his authority: so as it is he on whom our faith is grounded. It would become us (say I) to come to that point. But the Papists play the beasts in that behalf, bearing themselves in hand that so they shut their eyes, they may execute their rage and fury upon innocents.
The Iewes did not amisse in beeing zelous in punishing false prophets after that God had giuen them this lawe. Likewise in these dayes, whereas the Papistes say that Heretikes are to bee punished; that is true, wee confesse that they bee worthie of it. But therewithal they ought to come to the poynt that is set downe heere, namely, that it behooueth vs to knowe which is the GOD whome wee serue, and that wee bee sure that our religion is not a thing set foorth at all aduenture, but that wee holde the infallible trueth of Gods owne sending, and that it is preached vnto vs in his name & by his authoritie: so as it is hee on whome our faith is grounded. It woulde become vs (say I) to come to that poynt. But the Papistes play the beasts in that behalfe, bearing themselues in hand that so they shut their eyes, they may execute their rage and furie vppon innocents.
And after the same manner have the Heathen overshot themselves. For, because religion was to be maintained, they not discerning what they did, nor perceiving whether it was good or evil: did set themselves against the servants of God. Likewise dealt the Jews with the Prophets. Ye see then here is a point which it standeth us in hand to weigh well all our life long: and that is, that we must have known the true God, so as we may justly and without grudge of conscience condemn the errors which men would draw us to. Which thing will come to pass, if we have the light of Gods word to show us the way: for thence it is that all good discretion cometh.