A17698:2439
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.
Moreover, as concerning the order of the Church, & of all other government, we must understand likewise that all our sacrifices must be so purified as God may accept them. As for example, the ordaining of Ministers to preach Gods word, and the doctrine of salvation, the creating of Magistrates & the choosing of Officers, are sacrifices which we offer unto God. Now we must offer them with out spot. For if a man bring in any corruption in those cases▪ it is high treason to God, as I have said afore. Therefore let us bethink our selves throughly, & consider that although these things according to the letter, were enjoined to the Jews in the time of ceremonies: yet must we apply them to the sacrifices that are in use and force at this day. And for performance thereof, let us come back to that which S. James saith,1 namely that he which ⟨p. 631⟩commanded the one, hath also commanded the other; & that he which forbade the one, hath also forbidden the other. Will we then please God in all the services which we do unto him? Let there be no parting of stakes, as if we would say, I will do this for the honour of God, & for the rest he shall bear with me & give me leave to do as I list. For in so doing we would be hail-fellow with God. And therefore let us understand that the righteousness of the law is a thing that cannot be divided,§10 neither is it for us to rend it in pieces. Wherefore let us submit our selves to the rule that is given us, after such sort as is contained in the Law of God. And therewithal let us mark further, that we must not have double or dissembling hearts, but that we must submit our selves wholly unto God. And if we cannot attain thereto at the first as were to be wished: yet notwithstanding that must be the mark that we shoot at. Now we see what our Lord meant to require in this text.
Moreouer, as concerning ye order of ye Church, & of all other gouernment, we must vnderstand lykewise yt all our sacrifices must be so purifyed as God may accept them. As for example, ye ordeyning of Ministers to preach Gods word, and the doctrine of saluatiō, the creating of Magistrates & the choosing of Officers, are sacrifices which we offer vnto God. Now we must offer them wt out spot. For if a man bring in any corruption in those cases it is high treason to God, as I haue sayd afore. Therefore let vs bethinke our selues throughly, & consider yt although these thinges according to ye letter, were inioyned to the Iewes in ye time of ceremonies: yet must we apply them to ye sacrifices yt are in vse and force at this day. And for performance thereof, let vs come back to that which S. Iames sayth,