A17698:2155
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.
for it was Gods will that the Jews should always have as it were looking glasses before their eyes, to make them see that they ought not have to do with the defilements of the world, but to apply their whole endeavour to keep themselves in such wise as god might be glorified in them. That is the first point, which we have to mark. For when the Apostles treated of meats, they allege not that GOD meant to do the office of a Physician. And that is a very short solution.1 When S. Paul declareth that the false Apostles and cozeners troubled the Church, going about to hold men in bondage to the old law▪ he showeth that this difference of meats was a part of that childish doctrine, under the which GOD led the people of old time, because there was more rudeness, and infirmity at that time than there is now adays. Not that we be better, or stronger in faith, or that we be any perfecter in our selves than they were: but because that God hath set us further forward, by giving us the doctrine of the gospel. For the law was as an Absey in comparison of the doctrine that is preached unto us at this day. It is not to be marvelled then though there were many Ceremonies for that people, and that we have not those Ceremonies in use nowadays, which served but only for that time. If a man reply then and say, that the preaching of them unto us is more than needeth: we see the contrary. For although the figures be past & utterly abolished by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ: Yet doeth the substance of them continue still with us, so as it behoveth us to know still for what purpose God would have the Jews forbear the meats that are forbidden them here. Seeing then that the same reason and force remaineth common to us which served for them, it is not unprofitable for us to have the same things showed unto us. Moreover although the Sun do drive away all darkness with his light: yet is it not unexpedient for us to think upon the night in the daytime, and upon that wonderful order which God hath established, sith that in winter we think upon summer, and in summer think upon winter. For we see how God setteth forth his wisdom therein. And if there were no such variety, we should have no such occasion to wonder thereat and to glorify our God. Again, on the other side, we be assured of the ⟨p. 556⟩grace that is brought us by our Lord Jesus Christ: