A17698:2244
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.
And hereby we see yet better, that men not only be subtle in devising new shifts from time to time, to cover their misdoings: but also that when they have never so good and just Laws, they turn them to the clean contrary. And this §50cometh to pass not only in worldly government, but also even in matter concerning God: wherein we see, the horrible corruption of our nature. And this is one point well worthy to be noted. When such as are in authority over us, as Princes, Magistrates, and Judges make Laws & statutes: if we break them, that disobedience of ours (as Saint Paul showeth) toucheth God, and therefore is not to be excused.1 But when as God cometh as it were in his own person, and §60telleth us his will as it were with his own mouth: if we then dally with him, and shroud ourselves by shifts and subtleties as though he were not able to see us: is not that a devilish malapertness? But there is yet a far greater and more outrageous extremity, as I said afore. God goeth about to rule our life aright, he seeth us pitifully wandering in our own affections: he setteth us down an order what to do: and his will ought to be as a definitive sentence for us to stand unto, so as we ought to inquire no further: for we know that whatsoever God alloweth, is perfect righteousness. Now when he hath been so gracious to us as to teach us, What do we? We not only fall to dissemble in his Law, but also turn all order upsidedown, and transgress the very Laws themselves which he giveth us to direct us by: Sith we see such frowardness, we have good cause to mislike of our selves, and to condemn our selves utterly. And therefore seeing we be of malicious and froward nature, let us learn to suspect our selves, and to yield to Gods good will, that when he hath given us his Law, he may also give us the grace to receive it with all singleness of heart, so as it may be to our benefit, and that we may not turn life into death, nor light into darkness. Thus ye see what we have to remember in the first place.
And hereby we see yet better, that men not onely be suttle in deuising new shiftes from time to time, to couer their misdoings: but also yt whē they haue neuer so good and iust Lawes, they turne them to the cleane contrarie. And this §50commeth to passe not only in worldly gouernment, but also euen in matter concerning God: wherein we see, ye horrible corruption of our nature. And this is one point well worthy to be noted. When such as are in authoritie ouer vs, as Princes, Magistrates, and Iudges make Lawes & statutes: if wee breake them, that disobedience of ours (as Saint Paul sheweth) toucheth God, and therefore is not to be excused.