A17698:533
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.
When he sayeth, Put not any thing to it: It is to show us that only God must be wise, and have authority to govern us, so as we must not stick to our own foolish devotions, which we had in the time of our ignorance, when we were wretched blind Papists. Then let us learn to hold us to §30the simplicity of Gods word, and let our only wisdom be to obey that which he sayeth, that he may have all preeminence. And like as God forbiddeth us to add any thing to his word, so doeth he forbid us to take any thing from it: and not without cause. For if we will needs obey God but in part, & in the mean while exempt our selves from whatsoever we list: it is such a partaking, as shall never be admitted. Accordingly as now adays we shall see many, which §40will be contented to obey, so far forth as it pinch them not over near: but if it be a thing that trouble them, they seek to be rid of it, and fret and chafe against it. But it is not for us to proceed after that manner. For as I said, like as God forbiddeth to add any thing to his doctrine: so forbiddeth he to take any thing therefrom. He that said, Thou shalt not commit adultery (sayeth S. James) hath said also,1 Thou shalt not steal. And therefore let us be well §50ware,2 that we rend not Gods law in pieces. For it is not for man to put the things a sunder, which God hath put together. And let us assure our selves we can not break Gods law in any point, but we violate Gods Majesty which is contained therein. That then is a thing which we have to remember upon that text. For otherwise we shall not be able to keep Gods commandments, that is to say, we shall not yield God the authority which he deserveth. As for example, when the Papists observe Gods law: how go they to work? They leave it behind them, & in the mean while rest upon the commandments of their Mother holy Church. And whereupon ground they themselves? Behold, there comes me an idol, even a stinking carrion, & he loads them with a law. A Papist imagines himself to be a little Angel, if he keep the ordinance of a worm that is but dung: and he will say it is Gods law. Now I pray you, in so doing what preferment yieldeth he more to God, than to creatures? Is it not apparent, that in that case God is as it were ranged in array, to be but companion with men?