A17698:3512
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 as touching the second, let us also §30note that the threatenings of God are very necessary for us. For we see how great pride & rebelliousness is in all us: insomuch that although we be not rebellious of set purpose to set our God at nought, and to cast off his yoke: yet we are so blear eyed, that we think not on him, the enticements of the world seduce us in such wise, that we pass not for the receiving of any warning that God giveth us. If he call us by gentleness he can get nothing at our hands:§40 and therefore he is fain to use threatenings. Hereby we see how he letteth pass nothing that is meet to hold us in awe under his obedience. On the one side he useth mild and loving manner of speech unto us, (as I have told you) & saith, Come ye unto me my children: Indeed I owe you nothing, but yet I will bind my self unto you: I promise you that if you serve me, it shall be for your profit. Thus our Lord speaketh unto us, as a father that flattereth his child to win him §50to be ruled by him & to employ himself in his service with a freehearted affection. Howbeit, God perceiving that that is not enough to move us, useth threatenings, and sayeth: Take heed, if ye think to cast away my word, and yet to remain unpunished, ye deceive your selves. I must call you to account for it, I will not suffer my children so to mock me: I must be their Judge: & look not for any pardon, when you have abused my patience: I must double your punishment,§60 and my vengeance must fall more horribly upon you. Therefore when God declareth that our sins are unpardonable, and yet we continue in them, and make none account of submitting our selves unto him, specially when he applieth himself every way unto us, to the intent we should remain in his obedience, and not perish: Sith we see he hath such a care of our salvation; must it not needs be that we are too too stubborn, or rather very beasts if we be not moved to fare the better, by the fatherly care which he showeth towards us? Yes: And therefore being stirred up by the goodness and gentleness of God, whereof I speak even now, let us also quicken up our selves with his threatenings. When we see that our flesh is over wanton, and that it draweth us unto evil, let us say, Alas: And shall we shake off his yoke like wild beasts? What hath God pronounced?