A17698:3663
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 that which Moses speaketh here of enemies: we see again how God holdeth the hearts of men in his hand: so that if we be in peace and anon war is made against us, and we wot not wherefore: (as I have already showed) it is because God is angry with us: and that forasmuch as we have spited him, he must also war against us. He hath soldiers enow. As soon as he maketh any sign (as saith the Prophet) all the earth is moved;1 yea even though a little while before, no man thought to have stirred. Let us therefore understand, that when wars are toward in the world, God showeth tokens of his wrath. It is certain, (as we have already said) that albeit we serve God faithfully, and stand in his protection: yet we shall not cease to have enemies. For it is his will to exercise us by that means: and it is the state of the Church, as it hath also always bin. But this good cometh thereof, that God will maintain us against our enemies. When they have devised wonders against us, yet shall they not bring their purpose about. They shall be disappointed. And though they be as fierce as lions, and full of desperate rage: yet will GOD tame them at the last: all though they continue in purpose to devour us, yet they shall not have the power to do it:2 But (as hath been said afore) if they come against us one way, they shall flee seven ways. But now it is said contrariwise that although we be of power above our enemies, and do set upon them in never so good order: so as the victory may seem to be already gotten on our side, (as we see how the wicked be inflamed with pride and presumption) yet when we think our selves to have gotten the goal, God will touch us with such a fear as we shall not know which way to run fast enough, but every of us shall be at his wits end. Let us understand hereby, that when God stirreth up wars ⟨p. 969⟩to chastise us, though we be never so well furnished, and have all the means that may be to resist; yet must we needs perish if God be against us. For victory is not obtained by the force and valour of men, but by the power of GOD, who for that cause is called the Lord of hosts.3 And there is none other help for us, but to be at peace with God, that he may brood us under his wings: accordingly as he useth the same similitude, that he will play the part of a hen towards