A17698:2448
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 it is some what more when he saith, If the thing be reported unto thee. For therein we have to note, that faults cannot be punished among men, unless they come to knowledge. Insomuch that a number of offenders escape the hands of worldly Judges, though they have offended more foully than others, and be worthy of great blame: and that is because God hideth their unhonest dealings. For there are sins which make hast to come to their condemnation,1 §20which God thrusteth forward: and there are othersome which linger, and God keepeth them as close as if they were buried. And hereby earthly Judges are warned to be watchful in searching out of things. For inasmuch as they perceive, that after never so much pain taken in bolting out of matters, which belong to their office to have knowledge of, yet a great sort of things do scape unseen: they ought to be so much the more diligent. They cannot §30know all things: and why? for they be but men. Yet notwithstanding, forasmuch as God hath commanded men to punish evil deeds as soon as they come to knowledge: we must consider how his meaning is, that because nothing can be hidden from him; therefore although men require nothing of us, nor make any inquisition or suite in Law against us here beneath: yet must we ever be fain to come to account before him. It is said that an idolater §40shall be punished, for God hath commanded him to be stoned to death, upon knowledge that he is such a one. Now put the case that a man turn away from the pureness of Religion, and worship idols in secret. In deed he cannot be touched by order of Law, neither shall he abide judgement for it. But yet must he think in the mean while, that God will not suffer his eyes to be dazzled. And therefore we may gather upon §50this text, that our Lord reserveth all those faults, to his own judgement, which are not punished by ordinary Justice in this world. Not that he pardoneth not those which return unto him by true repentance: but my meaning is of such as harden themselves in their hypocrisy, and take occasion to grow worse and worse, because they be not reproved of their wicked deeds. But yet let them not think they have made the better market for all that. For whereas God telleth §60