A17698:1499
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 these two vices which Moses rebuketh, reigned not only at some one time: but they reign still at this day, and we have them rooted in our nature. Therefore let us mark well that this doctrine is directed to us at this day, and that it behoveth us to benefit our selves by it. So then, as touching the first point, let us call to mind the lesson that is showed us by the example of our father Abraham,1 when it is said, that he believed beyond hope, giving glory to him that had made the promise, in believing him to be able to bring the same to pass. Lo here a general rule for all the faithful: which is, that if they purpose to lean unto Gods promises, they must not deem of them after their own wit and imagination: (for what a thing were that?) but they must assure them selves that God hath means in his hand, which are unknown to them, and which they conceive not, and that it is enough for them to have his word, which is the infallible trueth. This reacheth very far: but it shall suffice for this present, to gather a short sum of it. For when God calleth us to him, if we consider but what we our selves are: surely we shall be utterly dismayed. As for example, when God promised issue unto Abraham, he was a man already decayed and sore broken, as well with age as with travel that he had endured. His wife also was past the age of childbearing, and moreover she had been barren all the time of her life: it might seem then that God had mocked him in promising him issue. But what? he had not an eye to his own body which was forworn and broken with age, (as sayeth Saint Paul:) neither had he an eye whether his wife were able to conceive or no: but seeing that God had spoken the word, he rested thereupon, assuring himself that forasmuch as God is faithful, he should not be disappointed in trusting unto him. And after the same manner must we deal, seeing we have so fair a looking glass. For (as I said) if we have an eye to our own frailty: in respect of our bodies we be but carrions and rottenness: and yet doth God promise us the glory of his everlasting kingdom. Doth the thing seem possible to us? yet then we fail of our duty every minute of an hour: and yet doth God promise us such strength as shall get the upper hand of the whole world.
And these two vices which Moses rebuketh, reigned not onely at some one time: but they reigne still at this day, and we haue them rooted in our nature. Therefore let vs marke well that this doctrine is directed to vs at this day, and that it behoueth vs to benefite our selues by it. So then, as touching the first point, let vs call to minde the lesson that is shewed vs by the example of our father Abraham,