A17698:3832
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 then we perceive that there is no understanding in men that they should say they know GOD, though he have opened himself unto them. Therefore saith Saint Paul that the natural man is not able to understand the things which belong to the spirit.1 He saith not, that men be so froward that they will not understand: but he saith that they cannot ⟨p. 1016⟩at all: the power or ability thereof is not in us. And why? Because of the corruption that is crept into us through the sin of Adam. Now then like as our will is froward, so is our understanding darkened, so as we neither discern nor deem as were requisite for our salvation. Whereas we know both the good and the evil, we incline to the evil rather than to the good. What causeth that? Because we be captives under the servitude of sin, and §10the devil who is Prince of this world,2 reigneth over us, until we be delivered out of his bands and Tyranny, through the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. And like as the will is froward in us, even so is our spirit wrapped in much ignorance, so that God must enlighten us by a special grace, or else we shall never judge of his word or works, as becometh us. Now therefore we see here, that God doth so accuse the Jews, as that by that mean he showeth unto us, that §20we be all deaf, blind and senseless. We must mark these three things; that until God give us eyes, ears, and spirit or heart, we can not but go clean contrary to his will. Seeing it is so, let us learn not to come with a foolish presumption, thinking ourselves meet to be admitted to the knowing of Gods secretes: but rather let us refer ourselves unto him, that when his word is pronounced unto us, it may please him to give us the spirit to receive it: and to §30work before our eyes, that we may be so enlightened as we may fare the better for his works, by taking hold of his majesty and glory, and by stooping unto him. I speak aswell of his word as of his works: and not without cause. For when we come to hear Gods word, we see that many do return from it as they came to it, and bear nothing away; or if they can rehearse aught, yet are they never a whit edified thereby. Whence cometh that? Even of this,