A17698:3559
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.
And it is said here, To confirm the words by performing them. Here Moses showeth after what sort we accept the doctrine which is delivered us in the name of GOD. It is not in laying our ear to it, or in confessing with our mouth that it is true & rightful: that is not enough. For all is but hypocrisy if our life be repugnant thereunto: And it will fall our according to this saying of Saint Paul,1 that whereas we confess with our mouths that we believe in GOD; we deny him in our life. Wherefore let us mark well, that the true trial of our faith and obedience, is to have our life answerable thereunto, and to show by our doings, that we have not been taught in vain. That is the thing which we have to mark upon this speech where Moses saith, That we must confirm the words of this Law by performing them; yea verily, by performing them, not by only protesting that they be good and rightful▪ (for that were but a small matter;) but by straining our selves to serve God, by applying our whole endeavour that way, & by fashioning all our works according to his will. That is the good confirmation: that is the way for us to protest that God is righteous, & ⟨p. 938⟩that he hath given us a good, sure, and infallible rule, such as we ought to observe. Now we see in effect the contents of this sentence; whereby we must understand, that God hath not enjoined us a pieced obedience; but will have us to receive his law to the uttermost in all points without exception. We see likewise that it is not enough for us to say, that GOD hath not commanded any thing which is not righteous; but that we also must show an accord and consent §10thereunto in our life, by framing it after all his commandments.
And it is sayde heere, To confirme the woordes by perfourming them. Heere Moses sheweth after what sort we accept the doctrine which is deliuered vs in the name of GOD. It is not in laying our eare to it, or in confessing with our mouth that it is true & rightfull: that is not ynough. For all is but hypocrisie if our lyfe bee repugnaunt thereunto: And it will fall our accordyng to this saying of Saint Paule,1