A17698:3557
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 for a conclusion it is said; Cursed shall he be which confirmeth not the words of this law by performing them. Here we see yet better §30the thing which hath been declared heretofore: namely that GOD meant to authorise his whole Law in general, without excepting any one point of it, notwithstanding that he have set down but some particular examples thereof. The point then whereunto the solemnity redoundeth which God caused to be made upon Mount Eball, and likewise over against it on Mount Garizim; is, that the people should know that this Law is the Rule of all perfection, and §40that God who is the author thereof is not to be dallied with; but rather that it is to be received with all reverence, yea and that every man ought to protest with his mouth, that it is good reason that GOD should be obeyed; and that all the transgressors of his will should condemn themselves, without making any reply in their own excuse; and willingly acknowledge themselves worthy of death and of all mischief, unless they submitted themselves §50obediently to the serving of God. For this cause therefore it is said; Cursed shall he be which confirmeth not the words of this Law. He speaketh not here of some one commandment or twain, or of some part of them: but of the whole Law, and of every part and parcel thereof, without any exception. And indeed, we ought to bethink us how Saint James sayeth,1 that he which hath forbidden to steal, hath also forbidden §60to commit adultery: and that he which hath forbidden Murder, hath also forbidden false-witnessing. We must not then rent Gods Justice in pieces. After what sort soever we offend, surely we violate GODS Law, and despise his majesty. But he will be acknowledged in his Law throughout in all points, and not in part, as I have told you afore. Seeing it is so, let us mark that God hath knit his commandments together, to show us that it is not for man to put them asunder, as we see many do, who will needs indent with GOD to abstain from some one sin, and do bear themselves in hand that they be discharged when they can say, Well, yet have I not offended in all points; Indeed I am blameworthy for such a sin; but as for in all the rest, I have obeyed God. The thief will boast that he is no whoremonger; the murderer will say he is no swearer;