A17698:1116
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 whereas men promise unadvisedly, that they will work wonders in obeying God and in keeping his Law: let us understand that we must examine our own ability, and then we shall find that there is nothing but all manner of weakness in us. So far off are we from being able to perform all that is commanded us▪ that we know not at which end to begin.1 Nay, we have not the skill to conceive one good thought, until God have reformed us,§50 drawn us to him, given us the mind, and thereunto added ability to put our desires in execution. Thus ye see what is meant by this saying, And who shall give them the heart? or I would it were so.
Therefore whereas men promise vnaduisedly, that they will worke wonders in obeying God and in keeping his Lawe: let vs vnderstand that we must examine our owne abilitie, and then we shall finde that there is nothing but all maner of weakenesse in vs. So farre off are wee from being able to perfourme all that is commaunded vs▪ that wee knowe not at which ende to begin.1 Nay, wee haue not the skil to conceiue one good thought, vntil God haue reformed vs,§50 drawen vs to him, giuen vs the minde, and therunto added abilitie to put our desires in execution. Thus ye see what is ment by this saying, And who shal giue thē the heart? or I would it were so.
Hereby we be warned to take heed, that we presume not upon our own strength, to be too bold. For when we bear our selves in hand that we can do all things, it is the cause of our ruin. And God doeth justly laugh such overweening to scorn. But let us learn to feel that we