A17698:657
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.
Indeed many will say, I have not been sufficiently confirmed, I understand it not: but those are fond shifts. We need but to open our eyes and our ears seeing §30we have Gods word preached, and our Lord will certainly make it of power and force, so as we shall have sufficient instruction by it, seeing he regardeth us especially, and therefore we must needs be found blameworthy if we swerve one way or other, after that God hath showed us his truth. And this much then concerning the covenant that Moses speaketh of here.
Indeede many will say, I haue not beene sufficiently confirmed, I vnderstande it not: but those are fonde shiftes. We neede but to open our eyes and our eares seing §30wee haue Gods worde preached, and our Lorde will certeinely make it of power and force, so as we shal haue sufficient instruction by it, seeing he regardeth vs especially, and therefore wee must needes be founde blameworthy if we swarue one way or other, after that God hath shewed vs his truth. And this much then concerning the couenant that Moses speaketh of here.
Howbeit, to set forth the heinousness of their crime the more, he addeth that he taketh heaven §40and earth to witness, that if the people turn away from the law, and invent or set up any new Religion, they shall perish out of hand, and not possess the land any long time, which should be given unto them. Now this serveth to waken such as are puffed up with vain presumption, under colour that God is gracious unto them, and hath given them some privilege above others. And it is well worthy to be noted. For although we cannot exceed measure in trusting in God: yet do we see §50that a great number do falsely abuse Gods name. If they be once baptised and taken into the company of the faithful: it seemeth to them that God is greatly bound unto them. Whereas they should consider that they be called of his free goodness, and ought to give over themselves to walk in fear and wariness: behold, they be puffed up with pride and vain overweening, and bear themselves in hand through fond hypocrisy, that they be scaped