A17698:2588
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.
As touching the other kinds, indeed a man might distinguish them, as many have laboured to do: but it is enough for us to understand that here is mention made of Enchanters, Sorcerers,§50 Caulkers▪ workers with Familiars, and of such as ask counsel as the dead. As concerning Enchanters▪ they be not these Jugglers that blear mens eyes with slight of hand, and make men believe they do the things which they do not: but the devil hath such dominion over the unbelievers, that although a thing be not done in very deed; yet the illusion is such, as makes men believe they see that which they see not. And so it is a kind of Enchantment, that is to say of devilish §60illusion, when a man shall be made to think that one is transformed into a wolf, or that he sees thē shape of a thing that hath no substance or trueth indeed. Now it is demanded whether such things can be done or no. And why not? we have an example in Pharaohs sorcerers,1 who made frogs to come up as well as Moses did: not that the devil hath any thing in his own power: for we must not imagine that he can fight against God to do aught whether he will or no: we know he is under Gods hand, & can do nothing without leave or licence. He may well attempt much, but yet can he not stir one finger, as ye would say. And hereof we have example evident enough in Job:2 for we see that the devil is there among the Angels, that is to say, that he is fain to come yield an account before Gods seat, and to have leave of him, and to be admitted. As much is said when God will have Ahab to be beguiled for his Idolatry.3 Ye see then how the scripture showeth that the devil hath not a several dominion by himself, as though he could attempt any thing against God. But yet by permission he may indeed trouble the air, and also do other things, after which manner God is said to send tempests & hails. And by whom doeth he it?4 By the wicked Angels. For he speaketh not there of the heavenly Angels, but of the devils by name, which execute Gods vengeance upon men. And therefore let us mark, that (as experience also showeth) the devils may work many such illusions by enchantments. And truly such things are not done but in the dark. For so long as we be enlightened by GOD, we need not fear that a man shall seem a wolf to us, or that such trishtrash shall get the upper hand of us.