A17698:4403
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 after this, Moses sayeth that the people must command their children. Herein it is showed us, that it is not enough for us to profit every man himself in Gods school: but that when we our selves have learned, we must also endeavour to bring others into the right way of salvation; specially we to whom God hath committed the charge of such as want learning and instruction. As for example; fathers and mothers shall yield an account for their Children, because God giveth §20them with this condition, that they shall be brought up in his fear. Likewise Masters and Mistresses have to answer for their menservants and women servants; and if they •ay the bridle in their necks, they must not think that our Lord will let their negligence scape unpunished. Therefore let us take warning by this text, that such as have children must have a care to teach them, and to make it known that God is the father of all their whole offspring,§30 if they themselves will be taken to be the children of God. Likewise they that have menservants and maid servants must understand that their house must be so dedicated to the serving of God, as he may have all sovereignty in the same. After that manner ought we to take pains in the behalf of those which are committed to our charge. For the more we see that the world faileth in that behalf, the more careful ought we to be to do our duty therein.§40 For it will be no excuse for us to allege that it was a common vice, but it will rather turn to our sorer condemnation, because one corrupteth and marreth another. Now then, let us learn to have the zeal that is commanded us here; namely that where God hath granted us the grace to be drawn to the knowledge of his truth; then to consider, that we must also endeavour to make all other men partakers thereof, that after our death Gods word may have his course still,§50 and not be buried with us. For we be mortal creatures, and as touching this world we do but pass away, and that very swiftly. But we know that Gods truth endureth for ever:1 and therefore we must so deal as that Gods word may continue and be known, and be received of men from hand to hand, even after that we be departed out of this world. And those which have any charge ought to bend themselves chiefly hereunto, according to this saying of