A17698:3564
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 yet is it put in ure in all their schools. Nevertheless, we must not go to work after that fashion; but we must rather bethink us how the Apostle sayeth,1 That it is a dreadful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. Therefore we must not in this case break the bonds and yoke which he hath laid upon our necks: we must not play the wild beasts: we must not think to beguile him by some fair show in making countenance to serve him, having in the mean while no good will to serve him indeed. For in the end he will show that his vengeance shall light upon all such as have lived like hypocrites and double hearted dissemblers before him. What is to be done then? We must frankly refuse this gloss of righteousness in part, which the Papists have forged: for it is a device of Satan's, and even they themselves will well confess, that we cannot merit by any inward worthiness which is in our works. They say that all the worthiness of our works cometh only of this, that God is acquainted with us; insomuch that when men have done all that is possible, yet will there ever be some fault to be found in their works, when they come before GOD. Not that all Papists are of that mind, there is not past one of a thousand that thinketh so: but there is yet a far finer and subtler doctrine of Popery; which is, that works are not worthy of themselves, but because of the promise of the Law. But what manner a one is this promise? Let us come to that point. Behold, GOD offereth himself to all men, and sayeth that whosoever performeth the Law shall be blessed; and contrariwise that they shall be cursed which step away from it. Thus ye see that the perfect righteousness is the performing of the law. But as I have told you already, no man performeth it; and therefore God is quit of his promise towards us. Seeing that we on our side fail in our condition; he for his part oweth us nothing. After the same manner also speaketh S. Paul thereof,2 saying; If righteousness depend upon the works of the law, then is the promise to no purpose. Saint Paul in that place toucheth the matter to the quick. For why? Who performeth the Law of God, that he can say, I have attained unto perfect righteousness in my works? There is no such man to be found. Then is there no more certainty in the promises saith he:
But yet is it put in vre in al their schooles. Neuerthelesse, we must not goe to worke after that fashion; but we must rather bethinke vs howe the Apostle sayeth,