A17698:3418
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 the conclusion ought to suffice us where it is said, I come therefore to offer the first fruits of the increase of my land to the LORD my GOD. The Jews in this place declare, that when they yielded thanks unto GOD, it was not by way of any outward ceremony, but for that they felt it in their heart that they were bound unto him,1 and that they owed all unto him. Do we then desire to have God to accept of the praises which we yield unto him? We must first confess the benefits which we have received of him, and acknowledge them with our mouth, we must do it from our heart, not for fashion sake as the hypocrites do which speak readily of his praises, but not with the heart nor with any affection. On the contrary side we see how God especially requireth that we should be throughly persuaded that it is he which hath begun to do us good, and that he also will continue and go on in so doing unto the end. And that every of us should acknowledge the same, not only secretly, but also openly before men, so as we may edify our neighbours thereby, and that God may be glorified of all men with one common accord. I grant we have not nowadays the ceremony any longer as it was under the Law: but yet we must come unto that point which I told you of before; to wit, that the substance and trueth of the ceremony remaineth unto us at this day▪ so as if we bestow any alms, or apply the benefits of GOD to such uses as he commandeth, we offer unto him of our first fruits. And so let us note well that they which give any thing of their goods which they possess, must not be pinching and niggardly as if they gave any thing of their own. For we must always bear in mind to say, I offer unto my GOD. And whereof? Even of that which I have received at his hand. In deed I am the owner of it; but yet GOD ⟨p. 900⟩hath reserved some chiefeage for himself, so as I may not riotously wast that which he hath given me, but I must learn to use it soberly, and to relieve my neighbours which are in necessity. When we have this consideration with us; then shall we offer sacrifices of sweet sent, and such as shall be acceptable unto God (as saint Paul termeth them):2 for without this consideration we may well rid our selves of all our goods, and yet do nothing that shall be aught worth. For