A17698:442
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.
It is a very profitable doctrine for us: for it extendeth further than so. And for proof thereof, if we had not the same rule: what would become of the government of the Church? Wherefore are we baptised,1 but to be washed from all our spots, that we may be pure and clean before God, that we may be members §30of Jesus Christ, that we may be clothed with his righteousness, & (to be short) that we may be renewed by the holy ghost?2 Now, lieth it in the mortal man that baptiseth us, to give us all these things? No, if we consider him but as a man in his own peculiar person. But sith it is Gods will that the ministers of his word should baptise in his name: baptism must needs have that virtue notwithstanding that it be delivered us by the hand of a man. And again, as touching the Lords supper,§40 we see how our Lord Jesus Christ doeth show himself there to be the food of our souls.3 Now is there any creature that can make us partakers of so great a benefit? No surely. But it is certain that the supper is not a vain thing: therefore when we come to receive it, we must consider that the [minister though he be a] man is not separated from Jesus Christ. And in the preaching of Gods word we see the like.4 It is said that the ministers are sent to enlighten the §50blind, to deliver prisoners, to forgive sins, and to turn mens hearts. Howe so? for those are things that belong all only unto God. And in very deed if a man should go about to bereave him of the least part of those things, it were an utter defacing of his majesty. For nothing is more peculiar to him than the forgiving of sins. Likewise doeth he reserve to himself the turning of mens hearts. Yet notwithstanding he communicateth all those titles to such §60as he hath ordained to bear abroad his word:5