A17698:3304
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.
Now as for us, it is true in deed that we dwell not in the land of Canaan, as did the Jews, we have no such order of government as they had, neither are we of the stock of Abraham, there are no such portions of land allotted §30us as are written of in Joshua; and yet nevertheless this ought always to be in force amongest us; that he which is of wealth, is bound according to his measure and abundance, to relieve them which are in need. Saint Paul speaketh not unto the Jews,1 he speaketh not for the time of the figures under the law, but he setteth forth this doctrine & this rule unto all the faithful in general, and will have men observe it until the end of the world.§40 Therefore let us note that whensoever through our niggardliness we withdraw our selves from helping our neighbours as we ought, we are reproved by this word: What? whatsoever thou hast, thou hast it from the hand of God. And under what condition? For see I pray you, how men discharge them selves with slightness; What? sayeth one. Is not this mine? Yes, but yet oughtest thou to be kindhearted towards such as are in need. For art thou §50rich? It is not because of thy fair eyes [as they say.] In deed God hath given more to thee than to many others: but for all that, hath he reserved nothing for himself? Hath he given all over unto thee to make havoc of it? Although every man enjoy his own field, and his own vineyard, although every man eat of his own corn and drink of his own wine, must charity therefore cease and be laid aside?2 Must it be diminished? Is it not in degree §60above all the civil orders and laws in the world? Is it not the bond of perfection? So then they which are by nature such miserable pinchpennies and such niggards, they which whine so when they should give an alms, and are as willing to do it as a Bear to go to the stake: let them fight against that vice of theirs, in such wise as our Lord showeth us in this place, and let them say: Howe now? That which thou hast is none of thine, saving that thy God hath given it thee. Consider now what covenant he hath made with thee. It is not that thou shouldest be a gulf to devour and swallow up all, but to the intent that thy brethren should be somewhat relieved by thee, and he vouchsafeth thee the honour to be the disposer of his goods.