A17698:2615
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.
Hereby we be warned to receive Gods word when it is set forth unto us, and to inure our selves to the hearing thereof, not for fear of men only, but to eschew the wrath of the heavenly Judge, seeing he is minded to defend the authority of his word. Were this well marked, men would be better disposed to suffer themselves to be taught by Gods word than they be. Men would make more speed when they hear the bell toll, than they do. But what? We can scarce find in our hearts to go three steppes to a Sermon. And why? For fear least we should afterward be censured. If I go continually to sermons, men will point at me with their fingers, and I shall be called afterward into the Consistory for it: and in the end I shall be censured. After that manner do these Saracens speak ⟨p. 677⟩that dwell among us here, who have neither faith nor Christianity in them more than dogs. Their coming hither commonly is but to scrape the ground with their pantofles in mockage of God. But it were better for them to break their necks, than to come to unhallow Gods temple after that sort. Others come with gay Ceremonies and outward shows: and in the mean while have no affection at all. But let us bethink us how it is said here, that our §10Lord will not let men alone so: for although no man maintain his glory, but presume malapertly to despise him: yet shall not their so doing boot them. For why? He telleth us that he will do his office, & not bury things in forgetfulness. Then if men wink at the despising of Gods word: God himself must in the end show, that he setteth such store by it, that he will be avenged of them for it. Thus ye see what we have to mark, in Gods uttering of such threatenings against all §20the despisers of his Law.
Heereby wee bee warned to receiue Gods worde when it is set forth vnto vs, and to inure our selues to the hearing thereof, not for feare of men onely, but to eschew the wrath of the heauenly Iudge, seeing hee is minded to defende the authoritie of his worde. Were this well marked, men woulde bee better disposed to suffer themselues to be taught by Gods worde than they be. Men woulde make more speede when they heare the bel tol, than they doe. But what? We can scarce finde in our heartes to goe three steppes to a Sermon. And why? For feare least wee shoulde afterwarde be censured. If I go continually to sermons, men will point at me with their fingers, and I shallbe called afterwarde into the Consistorie for it: and in the end I shalbe cēsured. After yt maner do these Sarasins speake