A17698:667
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.
We at this day have a more excellent benefit than that people had, and therefore shall we be the more to blame, if we yield not homage to our God, which hath esteemed and honoured us so much, as to call us into his Church. But now how do most men behave themselves, after they have been taught by the Gospel? In deed we meddle not with the superstitions of Papistry, we pass not for shrift, nor for Masses, nor for such other like trash: but what for that? We could find in our hearts plainly and shortly to defy God, and that he should have no further audience among us than we lift our selves. After this manner do a great sort deal even to this day, who nevertheless will needs be taken, not to ⟨p. 150⟩be of the common sort of the faithful, but as the pillars and upholders of the Church. And yet have they gone about to stop Gods mouth when any thing hath misliked them, or fallen out otherwise than they would have it. O this must be taken away. And why? Behold, GOD not only speaketh here of the things that have been invented by men: but also holdeth us in awe, so as it is not lawful for us to encounter him. He passeth not for them. And again, let §10us see what their life is. We see that they mock GOD to the full, and that their desire is to have their own swing in all things. And yet notwithstanding when the devil raiseth up such plaguy folk to infect the whole flock with their poison: we see a great number, whose whole desire is to mingle themselves with them. For as soon as some lewd fellow, or two or three maintainers of wickedness, (which show them selves to be ready to uphold all disorder and §20offences) do but steppe up: it is as good as the displaying of a banner, and by & by all unthrifts run after it. And would God that the experience of it were not so great as it is seen to be. But what? When we be told of it, we must repent yea and we must mourn before God, praying him to keep us from such deadly plagues as are seen intermingled among us. And so let us mark well how it is said here, that it can not be that such as do so pervert themselves, did §30ever know what Gods covenant is, or of how excellent value. For if his trueth ought so to restrain us that we be not led away by any of the wiles and slights of Satan: