A17698:3509
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 herewithall he showeth us also, what mind is requisite for the observing of his law in such so•t as is required, to wit, if we come willingly and yield ourselves unto him, and place our whole felicity & joy in the serving of him, and put this sentence in ure,1 that where our treasure is, there will our heart be also. Ye see what we have §60to note as touching the first point of the blessings. What is it then in effect, that we have to do? Although nowadays we have not the Ceremony whereof mention is made in this place, yet must the substance thereof be in force among us, which is that in seeking to serve God, we must have an eye always unto his promises. Behold, our God calleth & allureth us unto him. And how? He might command us in one word, and say: You owe all unto me, see therefore that ye discharge yourselves: but he beareth with us, & uttereth a fatherly goodness towards us, in saying. My children, I will not have your service unrecompensed. In deed I owe you nothing, but yet nevertheless I will be so bountiful above that I need, that if you serve me, your life shall be happy, you shall prosper in all things. And besides that, there is a sovereign blessing for us as touching the life everlasting. For all that we can desire or look for in this world, is nothing in comparison of that salvation which we hope for through faith; and all the blessings which God promiseth us, & offereth unto us as touching the life to come. Therefore all this ought to make us the readier & better disposed to submit ourselves unto God. For what? Seeing our lord seeketh nothing but our welfare in our obeying of him, & offereth us a reward for our so doing; are we not too too wretched if we enforce not ourselves to serve our god. Ye see then how we ought with our good consent to ratify all the promises which are contained in the holy scripture; that whereas others think it were but lost time to do well, we may always have this imprinted in our heart, that there is nothing better than to cleave unto God. The heathenish sort do think themselves very happy in following of their own lusts. When lecherous and covetous persons have scraped together on all sides, they think all is well gained, and they triumph in their doings.
And herewithall hee sheweth vs also, what minde is requisite for the obseruing of his law in such so•t as is required, to wit, if we come willingly and yeelde ourselues vnto him, and place our whole felicitie & ioye in the seruing of him, and put this sentence in vre,