A17698:286
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.
Now, to the end we may know, that when God hath once spoken, they be no threatenings to scar babes withal as they say: he addeth for a conclusion, You went up, and behold, the Ammorrhyte that dwelt on the hill came out before you,§40 and chased you as wasps or Bees do, insomuch that they smote you in mount Seir even unto Horma. Hereby Moses showeth that the people were taught after the manner of fools, that is to say, by their own harm. And good reason it is that when we will not believe Gods single word, we should pay very deer for our experience, and be made to know in spite of our teeth, that he will be steadfast in his purpose, and bring the thing to pass that he hath spoken. And hereby we be §50warned not to provoke Gods wrath, nor to tempt him. So soon then as he speaketh, let us stand in awe: for it is a part of faith as is showed by the example of Noah in the eleventh chapter to the Hebrews.1 It is said there, that Noah beheld the flood at such time as men made great cheer in the world. How so? for God had told him that the world should perish, and he contented himself therewith. And therefore let us not tarry till God arm himself and utter his §60power against us: but as soon as he hath spoken, let us be afraid, that we may prevent his wrath: and then shall we be taught as we ought to be, to our welfare. But if we be hardheaded, and think that all that ever is said is but a mockery: we shall find to our confusion, that God hath an effectual word, and that his hand and his tongue go together, so as all that ever cometh from him shall be found to be certain and infallible.
Now, to the ende wee may know, that when God hath once spoken, they be no threatnings to scarre babes withall as they say: he addeth for a conclusion, You went vp, and behold, the Ammorrhyte that dwelt on the hill came out before you,§40 and chased you as waspes or Bees doe, insomuch that they smote you in mount Seir euen vnto Horma. Hereby Moses sheweth that the people were taught after the maner of fooles, that is to say, by their owne harme. And good reason it is that when we will not beleeue Gods single word, we should pay very deere for our experience, and be made to knowe in spite of our teeth, that he will be stedfast in his purpose, and bring the thing to passe that he hath spoken. And hereby wee bee