A17698:3551
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.
WE understand by this text, that the thing which hath been said afore is very true; namely §50that God meant to teach the people of old time, that it was not enough for them to discharge themselves before men, or to scape blame and punishment here: but that they must look up higher, and consider that there is a Judgement seat in heaven, before the which we must one day answer and make our account. That is the place whereon we must think, if we will discharge our selves of our duty. For we may §60well beguile men in making a fair countenance; and again we may so order our lives, as no man may find any fault in us, as touching our outward deeds: and yet in the mean while, if our hearts be full of wicked lusts, if it grieve us to be held in awe, if we grate our teeth against GOD: what obedience is that? Therefore let us note, that whereas in this text it is said: Cursed shall he be which smiteth his neighbour privily: God condemneth not only the faults that come to knowledge before men; but also the crimes that lye hidden. And therefore if a man have lived in such wise, as he cannot be rebuked of the world, but rather is praised and commended: he must not thereupon fall asleep, but he must examine his heart, and consider well whether there be any lurking hole or back nook there within. For if the thoughts be evil; although men perceive them not; yet will God always do the office of a Judge.1 And if our own hearts reprove us (as saith saint John:) God seeth much more clearly.
WE vnderstande by this text, that the thing which hath beene sayde afore is very true; namely §50that God meant to teache the people of olde tyme, that it was not ynough for them to discharge thēselues before men, or to scape blame and punishment here: but yt they must looke vp higher, and consider that there is a Iudgement seate in heauen, before the which wee must one day aunswere and make our account. That is the place whereon we must thinke, if we will discharge our selues of our duetie. For wee may §60wel beguile men in making a faire countenance; and againe we may so order our liues, as no man may finde any fault in vs, as touching our outward deedes: and yet in the meane while, if our heartes bee full of wicked lustes, if it greeue vs to be helde in awe, if we grate our teeth against GOD: what obedience is that? Therefore let vs note, that whereas in this text it is sayde: Cursed shall he be which smiteth his neighbour priuily: God condemneth not only the faults that come to knowledge before men; but also the crymes that lye hidden. And therefore if a man haue liued in such wise, as he cannot be rebuked of the worlde, but rather is praysed and commended: he must not thereupon fall asleepe, but he must examine his heart, and consider well whether there be any lurking hole or backe nooke there within. For if the thoughtes bee euill; although men perceiue them not; yet will God alwayes doe the office of a Iudge.