A17698:220
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 by the way we must note, that although we in these days have no such figures as the Jews had under Moses: yet notwithstanding GOD giveth us the thing that is of equal value, according also as Saint Paul showeth,1 saying that the cloud and the fire were a kind of Baptism to the ancient fathers. And the chief thing that GOD meant to show unto them thereby, was that although as in respect of their bodies they were guided with fire by night, and had a cloud spread over their heads by day: yet Gods meaning was not to have them stay upon these temporal benefits, but to lead them further. Then were they baptized in the cloud. And what have we now adays? Doeth not Baptism warrant us Gods presence more certainly & with a greater virtue, than did that ancient figure? Yes surely, if all things be well considered. For we must not stay our eyes upon the water: but forasmuch as the blood of our Lord Jesus Christ was shed, which is a spiritual washing unto us: therein God showeth himself more familiarly unto us now adays, than he did to such as lived under Moses. True it is that we have not the like miracles: but in the mean while, how excellent was the Majesty that appeared in the person of our Lord Jesus Christ? How excellent were the miracles that he wrought? To be short, how highly ought we to esteem the death and passion that he suffered?2 Again, have we not a passing excellent record of his Godhead in his rising again from death? Seeing then that we have the whole fullness of Gods Majesty in the person of our Lord Jesus Christ, and that not in shadow only, but in very substance as Saint Paul declareth to the Colossians:3 I pray you were it not too shameful a thanklessness in us, if we should not be throughly resolved that our God hath uttered himself sufficiently unto us, to cause us to rest wholly upon him, and to trust in his power? Thus ye see wherein we resemble the Jews as touching the cloud whereof Moses speaketh here and as touching the pillar of fire.
But by the way wee must note, that although wee in these dayes haue no such figures as the Iewes had vnder Moses: yet notwithstanding GOD giueth vs the thing that is of equall value, according also as Saint Paule sheweth,1