A17698:1113
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.
According to that which was declared yesterday, God in this text showeth that he granteth the peoples request, and giveth them the choice of that which should be best for them. And hereby we see, that he meant to make the people to feel his goodness, of purpose to win them the better. True it is that he might justly subdue us to him by authority, and he could do it: but §40he had much lever to deal with us by fatherly gentleness. That then is the cause why he showed himself agreeable to the people. Therefore let us mark well, that God hath such regard of our welldoing and welfare, as if the choice were in our own hands, we could not wish better than he doeth. It seemeth not so at all times: but yet is it so in deed. Furthermore he addeth that he granted not the peoples desire in any other respect, than for that he himself liked of it. For now and §50then God granteth men their requests, howbeit, it is for their importunateness sake, and the thing turneth to their condemnation. As for example, when the people were desirous to eat flesh, it is true that they had their fill of it: but they paid right dear for their shot, for they spited God by their wilful desiring of the thing that was withheld from them.1 Nevertheless it is true that God did fully satisfy the murmurers, so as they had wherewith to fill their bellies: but it §60had bin much better for them to have starved for hunger. But it is not so in this request whereof Moses speaketh here: for GOD sayeth expressly, That they meant rightly. As if he should say, keep that course still, and ye shall see how I will pleasure you. Ye have desired that ye might have a man to speak to you in my name, and I am contented with it. Now then it ought to persuade you the more, to receive the doctrine that shall be preached unto you from me, on my behalf, for as much as I have done it at your desire and choice. But yet ye must not think that I meant to please you without reason or cause why. For I assure you, all things shall go well with you, if ye keep on this course of profiting in my word, so as whensoever Moses shall come unto you of my sending, you give reverent ear to the things that he shall tell you for your welfare.
ACcording to that which was declared yesterday, God in this text sheweth that he graunteth the peoples request, and giueth them the choise of that which shoulde bee best for them. And hereby wee see, that he meant to make the people to feele his goodnes, of purpose to win them the better. True it is that he might iustly subdue vs to him by authoritie, and he could doe it: but