A17698:3829
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 it seemeth at the first show, that Moses doth in this place diminish the fault of the people, by saying, God hath not given you ears to hear even to this day, neither eyes to see, nor mind to understand. §20For he showeth that it was not in the peoples power to have either reason or understanding, until the same were given them from above. Now if men be so brutish that they cannot be taught, until God call them unto him; what can they say, but that they are to be pitied, and that he ought not to condemn them for the same? It seemeth therefore that Moses went about here to cloak the iniquity of the people, in saying, that it was long of GOD.§30 For it was in Gods power to have enlightened that people if he had would, but he did it not. And he saith precisely, God hath given thee neither eyes nor ears. Whereby he showeth that it is a singular gift of God, to be able to behold his works and to discern aright of them, that we may be instructed by them. If we be destitute of the spirit of God, then are we altogether brutish: insomuch that although God speak, yet we hear him not: and although he stretch forth §40his mighty hand, yet we perceive it not a whit. Should not this serve men for some excuse of their ignorance? And in very deed, they that would wash their hands, will always say, Why? If I have liberty to do well, I am to be blamed if I discharge not my self: but of whom is it long that I have it not, but of God who depriveth me of his grace? Thus do men plead their cause, and it seemeth to them that they be justified and acquitted, so they can declare that it lieth not in §50them to do well, until God do assist them. And so saith Moses. But yet is all manner of excuse taken away, insomuch that although men be not able to attain to well doing, no nor (which more is) to conceive one only good thought towards it: yet shall they still abide condemned before God, neither can they have any colour of excuse for their infirmity, or of the faultiness which is in their nature. Moses (as I have already declared) doth here plead the cause of God against the §60people. The people therefore must rest in their condemnation, & be shut out from all manner of shifts. And what saith he to them? The Lord hath not given thee eyes to see, yea even to this people that is deprived of the grace of God: and yet are condemn ned here nevertheless.