A17698:307
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.
Where as we were deaf when God spake to us, and gave no ear to his voice: we must hold our selves in awe under him, and look what he saith, that must we do, and no more. That is the chief fruit of repentance. And if it appeared unto us in this people which was so stubborn and untamable: what excuse will there be for us, if we will not receive the things that are spoken to us in the name of God: but rather will be still replying, and have not the wit and discretion to suffer our selves to be guided by him who only can lead us aright? So much the more then ought we to restrain our selves from attempting any thing, unless God command it.
Where as wee were deafe when God spake to vs, and gaue no eare to his voyce: wee must holde our selues in awe vnder him, and looke what hee sayth, that must wee doe, and no more. That is the chiefe fruite of repentance. And if it appeared vnto vs in this people which was so stubborne and vntamable: what excuse will there be for vs, if wee will not receiue the thinges that are spoken to vs in the name of God: but rather will be still replying, and haue not the witte and discretion to suffer our selues to be guided by him who onely can leade vs aright? So much the more then ought wee to restraine our selues from attempting any thing, vnlesse God commaund it.
Moreover it is said that the people shall pass through the country of Edom, without provoking of the inhabitants. First of all it is said, They be your brethren, the children of Esau. We know that Esau was the brother of Jacob, who was the Patriarch, and (as ye would say) the wellspring from whence this people descended. And forasmuch as Esau came of the line of Abraham: a part of the land of promise had belonged unto him, but that he was cut off from the inheriting §10thereof, howbeit not by the pleasure of man, but by the heavenly ordinance uttered by God yea even while their mother Rebecca was with child of them,1 inasmuch as he said that the elder should serve the younger. But yet for all this, Esau ceased not to be Jacobs brother still. And their children ought to have continued the same brotherhood & kindred betwixt them afterward. Mark that for one point.