A17698:2040
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.
But we must (saith he) be so settled in the faith, that if there come any cozeners that go about to lead us by craft, and to deceive us, we may be fenced against them, and not be shaken by them over soon. True it is that we must needs have a begetting in our Lord Jesus Christ, and that at the first our faith may be so weak, that we shall be like little babes: But we must grow still, and daily gather new strength, until we come to mans estate that we be perfect to meet with our Lord Jesus Christ. Thus ye see what force the doctrine of trueth ought to have, when it is taught us. That is to wit, we must not only count it good in consenting to it; but also be so well assured of it, that the devil, do what he can, may not be able to remove us, by reason of the certainty which we have, whereby we be enabled to beat back whatsoever shall be set against us. And doubtless we see by the example of our Lord Jesus Christ, that such as have bin faithfully taught, may well repulse all the wiles of Satan.1 For when Jesus Christ was tempted, wherewith armed he himself but with the holy Scripture? We see that if there rise up never so many false Prophets among us, yet if we be throughly well grounded in faith, & settled in it as we ought to be: we shall continue steadfast, & the devil shall win nothing at our hands. True it is that now & then we shall find some impediments; (for Gods servants shall be sure of trouble, that serveth to humble them:) but yet whatsoever ⟨p. 528⟩it be, their faith is always the better proved by errors, heresies, & such other like things, whereby our Lord showeth that we have profited well in his school, & that we can never be led away unto wickedness, whatsoever betideth. Also we hear what Saint Paul saith, when he armeth us against all spiritual battles that may befall us:2 he giveth us the sword of Gods word, he delivereth us the Shield of faith, and he giveth us the helmet of hope. And thereupon §10he inferreth, that we shall not only be enabled to withstand all the assaults that Satan can make upon us, but also be defended from his fiery darts when there is no likelihood for us to escape from his subtleties.