A17698:4129
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.
As for the others which be not reformed, it is requisite that God should always stand in law against them, and use rigour to their condemnation. For this cause it is said here, that the book of the law should be a witness against the people. Moses meaneth §40not but there should be some, that should profit by the law, so as the doctrine thereof should not be a warrant unto them of Gods goodness to guide them to the hope of everlasting life: but he treateth here of the greatest sort which was wicked and froward. And the scripture useth such a manner of speech, when a people is for the most part wicked, saying, All of you. Although our Lord know his own people, and separateth them from the rest: yet forbeareth he not, to say,§50 You• as though he spake generally without exception. Let us mark then, that the law was laid up for a Testimony against the people: not because it doeth not contain a witness of the love of God for mens welfare: but because of the peoples malice, who could not find in their hearts to fare the better thereby, but turned the light into darkness, and converted their bread and meat into poison, and altered life into death. Also we ought to think upon this §60which Paul speaketh, namely that the law is a minister of death:1 but he speaketh there but of the commandments: whereas here Moses comprehendeth all the covenant that God had made, even the covenant of the Gospel, concerning the which we have seen herebefore how Saint Paul said,2 that the same pertaineth not to the law: namely: The word is in thy mouth and in thy heart. Also I have told you, and we have had sufficient proof thereof, that Moses was not only a minister of the law, but also did set forth the free promises of salvation which were grounded in our Lord Jesus Christ. And now he doth briefly comprehend all that in a sum. Nevertheless he forbeareth not to say, that the law shall be a witness against the people. And why? As I said afore, it cometh not of the nature of the law, that is to say of the doctrine; but of the malice of that people, which could not abide, that God should be their father and Saviour. Now then, the thing which is here protested of the law, pertaineth to the Gospel: