A17698:1373
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.
Moreover, as concerning these nations whom Moses speaketh of: Let us mark that besides the other crimes & enormities which they had committed: there was also a contempt of God, which was utterly intolerable. In deed, we will make no great reckoning of that: but yet doth GOD make reckoning of it, and he passeth not what we have imagined: for all our imaginations are corrupted. When God doth once set up his judgment seat: we may well put forth our opinion, but the thing which God hath ordained must stand, & not be repealed. Now then let us note, that whensoever Gods honour is lightly esteemed, then must rigour be used rather than mercy in that behalf. And we must call to mind the example that is rehearsed in the first book of kings:1 namely of Ahab who would needs show mercy to Benhadad king of ⟨p. 329⟩Syria. And there is expressly this saying, that when Benhadad came to him to sew for mercy, all that ever he said unto him was no more but this, that the kings of Israel were merciful and kind hearted. And behold, that goodly virtue of clemency over came his heart: by means whereof whereas God commanded him to execute rigour, he showed mercy. But it happened unto him as he had deserved. And why? For the Syrians had committed horrible blasphemy against God & scorned §10him, saying. He is the God of the mountains, but if we come into the plain grounds, we shall have victory, he can do nothing there. Thus were idols set up in Gods place. And therefore it was said to Ahab, that the king of Syria should be vanquished & rooted out. Now it came to pass that his array was put to flight: but yet they found a shift by & by to make peace. And why? For this goodly commendation liked Achabs ears well, when they called him a merciful Prince. By §20means whereof he was dandled a sleep, so as he made sale of the blasphemy that was committed against God, as it is a common matter with us to be pitiful in cases where God is offended. For this cause a Prophet was sent unto him, bringing his badge with him, that is to wit, that he had bin wounded by the commandment of God: and the first man, (who had refused to do it,) was devoured of a Lion out of hand. Yet notwithstā ding the Prophet came to Ahab wounded and §30