A17698:593
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.
The other point is that God did utter himself §60in such manner, as the people sought no further than was lawful for them, but held themselves contented with such discovery as was given unto them. And these two points are well worthy to be marked. For many men when they list to excuse their ignorance, will say that we ought not to be inquisitive of Gods secretes▪ No truly, but yet is it not meant that we should be brute beasts. Wherefore hath GOD created us after his own image,1 but to the intent that his trueth should shine forth in us? And yet notwithstanding, it is as a common proverb that hath reigned and doth reign still in the popedom: insomuch that the foundation whereon they have grounded their implied faith, is that they must not know any thing, but that it is enough to believe as the Church believeth. And in the mean while they wot not at what mark they shoot, nor what God they worship, nor how his name is to be called upon. But as I touched afore, Gods meaning is not that men should so abolish and destroy the grace that he hath put into them, for it were an utter defacing of his image in despite of him: but rather after as he cometh nearer unto us & we unto him, so will he have his Image the more known in us & his trueth the more shine forth there. Let us understand then that Gods intent is not that men should be ignorant of him, but to utter himself in such wise, as we may be able to discern him from the idols that have bin forged,2 so as we may take him for our father, and assure our selves that we be called to the knowledge of his truth, and that we may boldly resort unto him to call upon him, and to seek succour at his hand. After that manner was it Gods will to manifest himself to the people of Israel at the setting forth of the law: and after the same manner continueth he still at this day.
The other poynt is that God did vtter himselfe §60in such maner, as the people sought no further than was lawfull for them, but helde themselues contented with such discouerie as was giuen vnto them. And these two poyntes are well woorthie to bee marked. For many men when they list to excuse their ignorance, will say that wee ought not to be inquisitiue of Gods secretes No truly, but yet is it not meant that we should bee brute beastes. Wherefore hath GOD created vs after his owne image,