A17698:2574
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 now forasmuch as this text is referred to our Lord Jesus Christ, & the Prophets that were raised up afore, were inferiors to him & but his members: we must know also that those that bear the office of shepherds in his Church nowadays, are in the same degree that the Prophets were, to §30wit; compared to Jesus Christ, inferior unto him. True it is that they be preferred far before the Prophets,1 as in respect that the Gospel is a higher and excellenter matter than any was under the shadows of the law. But yet forasmuch as Jesus Christ is the head of all; he alone is to be acknowledged for Master of the household, as the Apostle speaketh of him when he compareth him with Moses.2 Seeing it is so then, let us mark that every doctrine is as it were excommunicated,§40 if it respect not Jesus Christ. In deed there are many Prophets and teachers: but yet must Jesus Christ overrule all; all that is expounded must come from him; he must have all preeminence; that the thing which the heavenly father hath spoken may be performed, namely, This is my well-beloved son,3 hear ye him. This is not spoken of any man, but only of the only Son of God himself. And therefore let us learn, that wheresoever there are Pastors or shepherds, the bridle §50is not laid loose in their necks to set forth what they think good: but they be tied to this condition, that our Lord Jesus must always be their Master, and only be heard, so as nothing be set forth but in his name, and that truly. Rightly saith Moses, ye shall obey the Prophet. As how? not that they have the authority to bind the Church & to bring it into bondage: for (as S. Peter showeth in his first Canonical Epistle,) it behoved the Prophets to speak by the spirit of our Lord Jesus §60Christ.4 And in the same respect also doth S. Paul say, that it was he which led & governed the people [in the wilderness.] Although Moses bare the countenance, yet was it Jesus Christ that bare the sway. Now I pray you, if a man take more authority upon him than Moses had, & advance himself above him: what should a man say to it? Moses and all the Prophets are but underlings, to the end that Jesus Christ might speak: And seeing that the Son of God is come, is it reason that men should put forth their own dreams and dotages, & that Jesus Christ should hold his peace?