A17698:2618
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.
For clean contrariwise he willeth us to try mens spirits.1 Then must we have skill to examine things whether they be true or no, when men speak to us in the name of God. The way therefore which we must hold, is that when Gods name is alleged, we must be touched with reverence to hearken earnestly to the things that are spoken, and howsoever the world go, we must be prepared to receive them. And when we have this modesty of yielding our selves teachable by the things that are set forth in the name of God: We must also pray him to give us his holy spirit, that we be able to discern aright and not be beguiled, nor imbrued with lies under false pretence of his name, but that although Satan transform himself into an Angel of light,2 yet he may not so blind our eyes, but that we may perceive what is good. That is the way which we must hold. And it is the thing whereto God intendeth to lead us, saying that although he will have us to hearken to the Prophets, and addeth this threat that the despising of them shall not abide unpunished: yet notwithstanding he meaneth not therefore to bereave us of all discretion, and to stop our eyes that we should not know what to follow. No: but he will have us to examine mens doctrine, & to •ift the Prophets whether they teach aright or no. We must not be so doltish as to admit all that ever is told us without exception: but (as I said,) when men speak to us in the name of God, we must search whether it be truth or falsehood. And now must we lay forth the things particularly which are contained here.
For cleane contrariwise hee willeth vs to trie mens spirites.1 Then must wee haue skill to examine thinges whether they be true or no, when men speake to vs in the name of God. The way therefore which wee must holde, is that when Gods name is alledged, wee must bee touched with reuerence to hearken earnestly to the thinges that are spoken, and howsoeuer the world go, wee must bee prepared to receiue them. And when wee haue this modestie of yeelding our selues teachable by the thinges that are set forth in the name of God: Wee must also pray him to giue vs his holy spirite, that wee bee able to discerne aright and not be beguiled, nor imbrewed with lyes vnder false pretence of his name, but that although Satan transforme himselfe into an Angell of light,