A17698:1641
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.
Also this praying of Moseses, showeth us what their duty is, which have the charge of other folk: namely, to pray to God to pity such as shall have offended. For it is not enough for such as have public charge to discharge their duty to the worldewarde: but they must also turn unto God. We see how the Apostles say that they must not only preach the Gospel,1 but also give themselves to prayer and supplication. Now, this belongeth to all the faithful. For to pray unto God is the chief duty of our faith. And forasmuch as the Apostles had the chief charge of the Church: it behoved this calling upon God, to belong chiefly unto them.2 And that is the cause why Saint Paul saith, that he humbleth himself for the Corinthians: as who should say he ought to bear the chastisement of their sins in his own person. For inasmuch as God had set him over that Church, it behooved him to bear the chief burden upon his shoulders. Therefore such as have the charge of preaching Gods word and of teaching in the Church, must not only employ themselves that way, but also to prayer. And chiefly when they see things go amiss, and disorders among the people: then ought they most specially to resort unto GOD, that he may provide a remedy for it. This is the thing that is showed us by the example of Moses, in that it is said that he tarried not till the people resorted to God for mercy, but showed them the way, as he whom God had appointed to bear the burden of the people, and to procure their welfare.
Also this praying of Moseses, sheweth vs what their duetie is, which haue the charge of other folke: namely, to pray to God to pitie such as shall haue offended. For it is not enough for such as haue publique charge to discharge their duetie to the worldewarde: but they must also turne vnto God. Wee see how the Apostles say that they must not onely preach the Gospell,1 but also giue themselues to prayer and supplication. Now, this belongeth to all the faithfull. For to pray vnto God is the chiefe duetie of our faith. And forasmuch as the Apostles had the chiefe charge of the Church: it behoued this calling vpon God, to belong chiefly vnto them.2