A17698:3693
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.
In deed we may allege many examples of men that are tormented and vexed by the wicked, so as they be driven from post to pillar, and robbed of their goods: such examples do happen every day: but this proveth not, that this doctrine taketh not place, and that it is not true in it self, as an ordinary rule, to wit, that God punisheth mens sins by such means. Now when we have walked in the fear of God, and endeavoured to serve him: and yet §10notwithstanding, our substance is taken away, and the robbers possess it: let us consider, that if this be not done for our sins, our Lord giveth us a great preeminence. For first of all, of whom was it long that we offended him not? We were preserved by his holy spirit. And moreover, notwithstanding any good affection and zeal that we have had to live uprightly and uncorruptly; yet we cease not to be guilty before God. But what for that? He §20spareth us, and yet he meaneth to try our patience, for to humble us. When it is his will that we shall bear the miseries, which be punishments for them that despite his law, and that we must feel them: well, we must stoop. And thereby he trieth us, how pliable we be under his hand to yield unto his government, as shall stand with his good pleasure. Moreover, this always taketh place, (as we have said afore) that our Lord §30punisheth the offences and transgressions of his law, by the things that are specified here. So then, when a man buildeth, let him take heed that he build not with extortion, pilling, polling, and robbery, unless it be his meaning to have his house taken from him, according as it is spoken by the Prophet Habakkuk.1 For the Prophet bringeth in the walls singing and answering one another. For in as much as mens Palaces and houses, be oftentimes §40builded with blood, robbery, extortion, and wicked practises: and the very walls them selves do cry out that they were builded with pilling and polling: it must needs waken up Gods wrath and vengeance against such builders. Desire we then to be harboured in peace? Let us look that we build without doing wrong to any body, whatsoever he be.
In deede wee may alleage many examples of men that are tormented and vexed by the wicked, so as they bee driuen from post to piller, and robbed of their goods: such examples doe happen euery day: but this prooueth not, that this doctrine taketh not place, and that it is not true in it selfe, as an ordinarie rule, to wit, that God punisheth mens sins by such meanes. Nowe when wee haue walked in the feare of God, and endeuoured to serue him: and yet