A17698:1601
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.
Lo here another token,§40 that Moses was so out of patience with the people, as he had no kindness in him, ne meant to forgive the transgression that had been committed against GOD: and yet for all this, he is contented to yield his own person to answer for them, not only by sustaining some bodily punishment: but also by being even damned for them, if it were possible. But we must always come back to that which I have touched already: that is to wit, that Gods servants §50have always such a care of the welfare of them that are committed to their charge: that they had leaver to perish themselves, than to see those go to destruction, of whose salvation there was some hope. And yet notwithstanding they cease not for all that, to be sharp and rough when God commandeth them to do their duty, not upon cruelty, that they have not compassion still upon the wretched sinners: but because it is not in their own liberty §60and choice to show mercy, but they must have respect to their office, and unto Gods will, that they follow the same. Both these things are showed us here in Moses: and we see that all the Prophets have used the like manner of dealing. It may well seem that they have no regard to spare the people. For they threaten Gods wrath, they curse, they condemn, and to be short, they seem to bring nothing with them but thunder claps: and yet notwithstanding we see they were led with such pity and carefulness, that they besought God to show favour to such as were unworthy of it. Who will give tears unto mine eyes,1 saith the Prophet Jeremiah: I could well find in mine heart to melt into water, to bewail the sins of my countryfolk. And yet in the mean season how speaketh he? Useth he mild terms to rebuke the people with gentleness? Nay, he crieth out against them as though he had forgotten all natural affection. So then we see that these two things agree very well: that is to wit, that those whom GOD chooseth to set forth his word, may well regard the welfare and benefit of the wretched sinners that are committed to their charge, and be even sorry and exceedingly grieved at the heart to see them go to destruction: and yet for all that, not forbear to show signs of rigour, so far forth as their office requireth, and as they needs must for the serving of God.