A17698:3747
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.
We see the very same in all mankind, not only touching the afflictions of this present life; but also we have this reproach laid upon us, that we be still as it were, famished for want of spiritual blessings. For our father Adam was created in such state, that the world was an earthly Paradise: The whole earth yielded him all good things to his wish: he endured neither heat nor cold, nor any grievous want. Thus was our father Adam appointed Lord and Master over all the world,1 all the Elements and all the beasts of the earth served him quietly, and all fruits served his taste and savour. What was he in his person? He bare the Image of God, and was of so great nobleness and worthiness that he was as the Angels of heaven: and he had dwelled in this world, with all his linage, as in a place where he should have had no trouble: but he could not abide to be so gently entreated. When God had thus enriched him with his benefits, he must needs mistake himself, he could not serve God with a good heart nor with joy. What could have grieved him? For God showed him a sweet and a gracious countenance, and poured out the treasures of his fatherly love towards him; but Adam could not abide that, but through his unthankfulness he alienated himself from God. And in what case are we now? We must serve God in hunger and thirst, in nakedness and reproach, for the earth is cursed unto us. When we have tilled it,2 it must bring us forth thistles and thorns. We see the seasons contrary; when we wait for a good year, we see hail or frost, drought or rain, which serve to pluck the bread out of our mouths, and to disappoint us of our food. We see the air troubled, and infections which oftentimes engender diseases. Great is the toil of men. For when they have gotten food with great distress; yet want they wherewith to clothe themselves. See there (I say) in what taking we be. And wherefore? Because we would not serve our God cheerfully and with a good hart, when he gave us abundance of ⟨p. 993⟩all manner of blessings. But this is not the chief matter, (as I have said heretofore:) for we are destitute of the righteousness of God. Our very true ornament, was that we could have fashioned our selves to all manner of right; and now we be spoiled thereof. As then we had reason and understanding: