A17698:3825
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.
Therefore he saith, that God commanded Moses to make a covenant the second time with the children of Israel in the Land of Moab, yea over & besides that covenant which he made in Horeb,§10 where the law was first delivered. It is certain that Gods declaring of his law was to the intent that every man should remember this lesson both night and day, and for that cause was the law set down in writing. For it is not enough for us to have had God speak once; but the fathers must also teach their children, and every man must exercise himself in that which he hath heard, that he may frame himself thereafter from day to day, & be the better edified. Gods intent then was that §20this people should be daily furthered, and for that purpose also were the Priests ordained. For I have told you for what purpose our Lord had chosen them from among the people: It was not for the ceremonies of the Temple only: but (as it is touched in the Prophet Malachi) it was to sow good and profitable doctrine throughout all the whole land:1 and to that end also were they dispersed every where, that the people might be retained in the purity of Religion, and §30in obedience to the law. But the question here concerneth the solemn covenant. When God published his law in Horeb, we understand that the lightnings did fly forth,2 that there was a sound of trumpets, that the heaven moved, that the mountain flamed, that mens minds were afraid, and to be short, that God there showed his presence with such majesty, as all men must needs know that obedience was due unto him. Mark here the solemnity that was kept to §40make the Law authentical. I have said that this ought to suffice us to the end of the world. Should we then look to have him to do it again the second time? Seeing that God hath fully certified us that the law proceeded from him, and that it is not a doctrine of mans devising, but Gods own unchangeable will, and the rule that he meant to have kept without breaking, not only of them that lived at that time, but also from age to age so long as the world should §50