A17698:1400
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.
Now then, what is to be done? When we perceive any danger, it cannot be but we must have some feeling of it: for otherwise we should be as blocks, and not to be afraid of any thing, is no virtue. And drunkard will run upon the swords point, he will leap out at a window, he will be afraid of no thing: and why is that? Because he is out of his right wits. Likewise a mad man will throw him self into the fire or kill himself. Therefore we see that it is no virtue to be without feeling of grief. Nevertheless when we feel the dangers, we must resort to the remedy that God giveth us.
Nowe then, what is to bee done? When wee perceiue any daunger, it cannot bee but wee must haue some feeling of it: for otherwise we should be as blockes, and not to bee afraide of any thing, is no vertue. And drunkarde will runne vppon the swordes point, hee will leape out at a windowe, hee wil be afraide of no thing: and why is that? Because he is out of his right wittes. Likewise a madde man will throwe him selfe into the fire or kill himselfe. Therefore we see that it is no vertue to bee without feeling of griefe. Neuerthelesse when wee feele the daungers, wee must resort to the remedie that God giueth vs.
True it is that our life hangeth as by a thread, and that there needeth not any thing to destroy us. But yet how weak soever we be, our Lord hath promised to hold us shrouded under his wings: and therefore let us run unto him. And seeing he hath a care of our life, let us trust thereto, and call upon him as oft as we see any danger like to ensue. And forasmuch as he hath promised never to shrink away from us: let us approach boldly unto him, and put our trust in him, and then shall we be fenced well enough. For the name of God is an invincible fortress,1 the righteous will flee thereto for refuge, and he shall never perish. To the intent therefore that we may have a steadfast assurance in the midst of danger, let us learn to have recourse immediately to our God, by receiving the promises which he giveth us: and they will be a sure and steady leaning-stock to rest upon: and by that means also God shall be glorified in us.