A17698:1437
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 we have to gather upon this text, that it is no wonder though God afflict us diverse ways. And why so? For it is expedient for us to be sifted and to have it known what is in us: There is not a more needful and profitable thing for us: and that is done by afflictions. Therefore must we submit our selves to them,§40 and understand that they never be superfluous or more than needeth. Mark that for one point. Yea and unto the same end must we apply this saying of the Apostle,1 that it is the very mean whereby to try our obedience. For he useth the same word, and setteth down Jesus Christ for an example. For although he be the mirror & pattern of all righteousness, yet was he fain to pass under Gods scourges. And why? Even to the end that his obedience might be known.§50 And that which is showed us in the person of our Lord Jesus Christ:2 good reason would that the same should be accomplished in us that are his members. Now is there any thing more requisite, than to know whether we be obedient to God or no? And that is not known but by adversity, when things fall out contrary to our desire, and God handleth us in such sort as our flesh and nature strive against it. When we be in that case, if we can hold our selves in subjection §60to God, to say, in deed Lord this is hard for me to bear, it goeth against my stomach, it is clean contrary to my nature, but yet howsoever I fare I renounce mine own will: I would fain have health, but sith it pleaseth thee to have me sick, thy name be blessed for it: I could find in my heart to be rich, and to have mine own ease and pleasure, but thou wilt have me to be poor & needy. I would be in honour & credit, & thou wilt have me to live in reproach and shame: and good reason it is O Lord that we should have the humility to submit our selves to whatsoever it pleaseth thee to send us, and not that we should follow our own swing: when we be come to such a sacrifice of renouncing all our affections and all our own will: then is our obedience rightly known. For what matter is it to say amen, when God followeth our desires, and handleth us according to the liking of our own flesh? How is there any virtue in us? And therefore let us remember well this text, where Moses telleth us that Gods afflicting of us, is to try what we be.