A17698:1051
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.
Needs therefore must there rise up as it were a thundering, and the fire & water must needs show their contrary workings▪ Now there is less agreement between mans nature and Gods righteousness, than is betwixt fire and water. Therefore let us not think it strange, that God doth so repress all our lusts And when we hear the blasphemies which the scoffers that I spake of, do spew out: let us abhor them as monsters. For instead of glorifying God for his righteousness, they come dashing against him like wild and mad beasts. Thus much concerning this point of the frailty of men.
Needes therefore must there rise vp as it were a thundering, and the fire & water must needes shewe their contrarie workings▪ Nowe there is lesse agreement betweene mans nature and Gods righteousnes, than is betwixt fire and water. Therefore let vs not thinke it straunge, that God doth so represse all our lusts And when we heare the blasphemies which the scoffers that I spake of, doe spew out: let vs abhor them as monsters. For insteade of glorifying God for his righteousnes, they come dashing against him like wild and mad beasts. Thus much concerning this point of the frailtie of men.
Now although it be such: yet is it not to be marvelled at, that God hath condemned it in his law. Why so? For in ordering of our life and in showing us how we should walk, God respecteth not what we be able to do, nor the measure of our strength: but what duty we owe to him, & what righteousness is, although it be not to be found in us. We be Gods creatures: and ought we not then to give our selves wholly to his service? Yes certainly. That is a peremptory reason. And men may well grunt at it, but yet shall they always find proof in themselves, that forasmuch as they belong to GOD, they ought to dedicate all their senses, all their affections, and all that ever is in them both in body and soul unto him. Howbeit let us mark well herewithall, that we cannot discharge our selves thereof: and what is the cause thereof bu• our own naughtiness? And we take that from Adam. That followeth not. For although