A17698:3651
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 let us come to the words that be set down here. If thou wilt not obey the voice of §50the Lord thy God, to keep his commandments & statutes which I set before thee this day: all these curses shall come upon thee, and take hold of thee. Here Moses speaketh expressly to such as have been trained in the word of God. True it is that they which offend without the law, shall perish nevertheless,1 as Saint Paul saith in the second Chapter to the Romans. And in very deed we see that the ignorant and blind scape not unpunished at Gods hand. Albeit that they §60might plead that they were not taught: yet are they faulty enough. But let us note, that here our Lord doeth double his curse upon those unto whom he hath showed such favour, as to manifest his will unto them, and to show them the way of saving health, had they obeyed him, and yielded themselves unto his doctrine. This then is not general to all men. But God doeth first of all show, that when he hath given his law, and published it abroad. The fault is in the people that they understand it not. This is the cause why Moses doeth expressly say: the commandments and statutes, which I set before you this day. When he sayeth, Commandments and statutes, it serveth to show that they contain a sufficient instruction, accordingly as we have told you here before; that God hath not spoken by halves: but that he hath so taught his people, as they cannot reply and say, We wot not what these things mean. Lo here the Statutes & commandments which I set before you, sayeth Moses. If you apply your endeavour to them, you cannot do amiss. And therefore let us bear well in mind, that according as God hath delivered us his word, our ungodliness is doubled before him, and our punishment must be so much the more grievous, if we be not willing to do good, yea, and also profit therein, and from day to day be established in his obedience. That is the thing which we have to consider upon that saying.
Nowe let vs come to the wordes that bee set downe heere. If thou wilt not obey the voyce of §50the Lord thy God, to keepe his commandements & statutes which I set before thee this day: all these curses shall come vppon thee, and take holde of thee. Heere Moses speaketh expressely to such as haue been trayned in the worde of God. True it is that they which offend without the lawe, shall perish neuerthelesse,