A17698:339
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.
And it is a very needful lesson in these days. For if we should fall to reckoning of our cards, before we would show any kindness one to another: ⟨p. 70⟩what a thing were that? When should a man begin to do good? [never:] for we see how all the world is so corrupted, as is pitiful to think. It seemeth that we cast our good turns into the throats of wolves or mad dogs, and that it is nothing else but a provoking of their malice more and more, which seek to abuse our simplicity. But yet for all that, it behoveth us to have an eye to that which God commandeth.
And it is a verie needful lesson in these dayes. For if we should fal to reckning of our cards, before we would shew any kindnes one to another: ⟨p. 70⟩what a thing were that? When should a man begin to doe good? [neuer:] for we see how al the world is so corrupted, as is pitifull to thinke. It seemeth that wee cast our good turnes into the throtes of woolues or madde dogges, and that it is nothing else but a prouoking of their malice more and more, which seeke to abuse our simplicitie. But yet for all that, it behoueth vs to haue an eye to that which God commandeth.
Now whereas men on their side are so malicious §10and froward: let us mark, that as God took vengeance of the Moabites, Edomites and Ammonites, for misusing the children of Israel after that sort: so will he do the like nowadays. I told you even now that the Prophets do oftentimes make mention of the slender recompense, that these nations yielded to the children of Israel: but did God let them alone from heaven? No. For although the children of Israel complained not: yet did God take their case in hand,§20 and set himself as counterpartie against those nations. He tarried not till the cry of the afflicted did come up unto him, and vanish away in the air: but he sendeth them his Prophets, and telleth them that forasmuch as he had taken the people of Israel into his protection, he will be revenged of the outrage that is done unto them. For although that they on their side did suffer it justly, for shrinking from their subjection to God: yet notwithstanding, the Edomites, Moabites &