A17698:1191
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.
Howbeit, first of all we must mark what Moses meant: and afterward the doctrine contained therein must be applied to the instruction of our selves. When thou art come (saith he) into the land which the Lord thy God promised to thy fathers Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Moses speaketh expressly of Gods promise, to the intent that the people might be throughly persuaded, that their going into that land was not by haphazard, nor their winning of so many victories against their enemies was by good fortune (as they term it) or by their own strength and policy: but that it was wrought by Gods own hand, and all came of his power. True it is that the wonders which were showed at that time; were sufficient enough to have made them believe, so as they needed not to have sought any further.
Howbeit, first of all wee must marke what Moses meant: and afterward the doctrine conteyned therein must bee applyed to the instruction of our selues. When thou art come (saith hee) into the land which the Lord thy God promised to thy fathers Abraham, Isaac, and Iacob. Moses speaketh expressely of Gods promise, to the intent that the people might bee throughly perswaded, that their going into that land was not by haphasard, nor their winning of so many victories against their enemies was by good fortune (as they terme it) or by their owne strength and pollicie: but that it was wrought by Gods owne hand, and all came of his power. True it is that the wonders which were shewed at that time; were sufficient enough to haue made them beleeue, so as they needed not to haue sought any further.
When the people saw Gods scourges upon the Egyptians, was it not a sure record of the divine and heavenly power which showed it self there? Again, whereas they passed the red sea, whereas they were guided with a cloud by day and with a fire by night, whereas they were fed with manna from heaven, and whereas they saw the cloud upon the tabernacle which was a token of Gods presence & majesty: should they not have concluded that God bare rule over them and showed himself to be their guide? yes: and yet for all that, Moses beholding the hardheartedness of the people, thought it not enough to tell them of the things which were seen at that time, but also alleged the promise that had been made four hundred years afore.