A17698:709
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.
Therefore it is very expedient for us to know which is the true God, that we may worship him. For even at that time the world was perverted, so as all men went wandering in their own superstitions. Although God manifested himself so many ways: yet notwithstanding,§20 like as the world was blind and ceased not to entangle it self in all errors: so every man forged idols to himself. True it is, that all men said, we have a religion, and our intent is to serve God: but yet for all that, there was no soundness, there was no understanding among them.1 Behold, God gathered his people together, accordingly as he had chosen the house of Abraham, and according to his saying that the same should be to him a holy linage §30and dedicated to his service. Seeing then that the Jews were not mingled with the other nations of the earth: they should have considered that they ought not to have had any fellowship with the unbelievers, so as their religion should have been entangled and doubtful: but that being sanctified to the maker of heaven and earth, they should have worshipped him purely, and submitted themselves under his obeisance. Now then we have here the counsel of Moses,§40 or rather the counsel which the Ghost intended to utter in speaking here by his mouth. And (as I have told you) that this doctrine is very profitable, so ought we to be the more heedful in marking it. For naturally we be inclined to go astray. Insomuch that although we had no occasions before our eyes: yet would every of us deceive and beguile himself. And again, the devil ceaseth not to offer us many illusions, to dazzle our wits withal, and to make us swerve §50from the right and pure religion. Seeing then that there is such vice in us, and that we be hemmed in on all sides with so many dangers: let us learn to make our profit by his doctrine.
Therefore it is very expedient for vs to knowe which is the true God, that wee may worship him. For euen at that time the world was peruerted, so as al men went wādring in their owne superstitions. Although God manifested himselfe so many wayes: yet notwithstanding,§20