A17698:1252
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.
And therefore it is not to be wondered at, that he hardeneth us in such brutishness, and that there is so gross ignorance in the world, as few folk have the true taste and savour of the doctrine of salvation, but rather we see that all men despise it, and are so far off from having any affection and zeal to the knowing of it, that they do rather thrust it from them when it is offered them, and when GOD §30seeketh them, they run from him. Sith we see such unthankfulness everywhere, it is any marvel that our Lord revealeth not his trueth as he would do, if men were well minded towards it? It is true that God tarrieth not till we come unto him, but rather performeth that which he saith by his prophet Isaiah,1 namely that he appeareth to them that ask not after him, and that he is found of them that seek him not, insomuch that he saith to them that §40are far off from him, Lo, here I am. Yet notwithstanding, men must not under this colour that God reacheth them his hand, and draweth them out of the dungeons of ignorance before they ever thought upon him, men (I say) must not flatter and food themselves in their carelessness: but rather we must learn according to this text, that whereas we be ignorant of the trueth, we must at leastwise do our endeavour to get knowledge of it, and resort to such as we §50think that God hath revealed more unto, than to our selves. If we do so, and with all humility seek to know the things that are available to our salvation: God will show himself to us, and give us such means and helps as he knoweth to be expedient for us. And although mortal men fail us: yet will he so supply our want by the power of his holy spirit, as we shall not continue still in darkness, if we seek the light: for he will not shut the door against us if we §60knock,2 & do our endeavour to enter. Thus ye see in effect what we have to remember upon the text.
And therefore it is not to bee wondered at, that hee hardeneth vs in such brutishnes, and that there is so grosse ignorance in the world, as fewe folke haue the true taste and sauor of the doctrine of saluation, but rather wee see that all men despise it, and are so farre off from hauing any affection and zeale to the knowing of it, that they doe rather thrust it from them when it is offered them, and when GOD