A17698:2111
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.
But we must mark therewithal, that it is not enough for men to excuse themselves by saying, as for me I mean not to abolish all religion; and yet if I like well of this thing, why should it not be lawful for me to have it? Moses showeth us that although a man pretend the title of some god, yet is that nothing: for we must have the living GOD; and that when we have once the knowledge of the true Religion, that must suffice us, and that if we go astray, it is through our own fault, and there is no excuse for us. That is the meaning of Moses, and it is a doctrine well worthy to be noted. For many men might find starting holes in this behalf.
But wee must marke therewithall, that it is not ynough for men to excuse themselues by saying, as for mee I meane not to abolish all religion; and yet if I like well of this thing, why shoulde it not bee lawfull for mee to haue it? Moses sheweth vs that although a man pretend the title of some god, yet is that nothing: for wee must haue the liuing GOD; and that when wee haue once the knowledge of the true Religion, that must suffice vs, and that if wee goe astraye, it is through our owne fault, and there is no excuse for vs. That is the meaning of Moses, and it is a doctrine well worthie to bee noted. For many men might finde starting holes in this behalfe.
May not a man be overseen through simplicity? Yes: but when we have once known God, we cannot be separated from him, but our malice must needs be utterly unexcusable. And therefore let us take courage to benefit our selves: and when Gods word is given us freely and preached unto us purely, let us be so confirmed in it, as we be not any more like wavering reeds, yielding to every wind,1 nor as little children whom every man may beguile: but let us use wit and discretion. And in deed our Lord giveth us his word, not only to the intent we should say, Lo, this or that is good: but to the end that every man should keep himself from evil, & be fenced and armed against all temptations of Satan, so as we might have wherewith to resist him when he goeth about to thrust us out of the way.