A17698:1864
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.
For is it reason that he should be our friend when we be not on his side? No: but he must rather set himself against us. And that is the cause §60why Moses both in other places, and specially in his song that is in the 32. Chapter,1 saith, How could it be that a hundred of you should flee before one man, and that a thousand of you should be chased by a hundred of your enemies, if it were not for that the Lord hath forsaken you, and delivered you as prisoners into your enemies hands? Consider then (saith he) that when ye be afflicted by your enemies, it is for that your God hath appalled you. For you be not worthy that he should put his power into you, or utter it in your behalf. And therefore whensoever we stand too much in fear of our enemies, & are so dismayed that we can hardly call upon God, but are overwhelmed with distrust and vexation of mind: let us understand that God hath withdrawn himself from us, and hath left us destitute after that fashion, because we be turned away from him, and have shaken off his fear, and not stood in awe of him as we ought to have done, in respect whereof he threateneth us by men, & maketh us to feel our own wretchedness, to the intent we should return unto him. Furthermore he showeth well by the sequel, that his promise was not in vain. What a proof was there thereof, at the entering of the people into the land of Canaan? For they had such a multitude of enemies, as might have made them all dismayed. But what for that? God himself fought for his people. And that did the poor harlot well perceive, when she said to the men that were come to spy out the land,2 I know that your God is the God of heaven and earth, which reigneth over all. And for proof thereof, I see that all the inhabitants of these countries, are astonished at the only fame and report of you, wherewith they be discouraged, that they be as good as vanquished already. She attributeth this indeed to the wonderful working of God. Now seeing that this silly woman, having but a little taste of faith, did lay so sure hold upon it: I pray you ought not we to behold the strength much more openly, which our Lord promiseth us here, which is, that he will cast a terror and fearfulness upon all those that are much stronger & mightier than we?
For is it reason that hee shoulde bee our friende when we be not on his side? No: but he must rather set himselfe against vs. And that is ye cause