A17698:3945
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 must remember well what §60was treated of yesterday: to wit, that when GOD doeth impart himself unto us by his word, we must be attentive to receive the doctrine that is contained in the same. For although that all that is declared unto us in holy Scripture, be a far higher wisdom than our wits are able to attain unto: yet would not GOD that it should be kept hidden or secrete. Wherefore? For if we resort unto ⟨p. 1046⟩him with lowliness, yielding our selves as scholars, he will do the office of a teacher, in such wise as his will shall be altogether open unto us, nothing of all that is profitable for our salvation shall be dark unto us, so we suffer ourselves to be instructed of GOD. But there be two things which we must observe: the one is, that we be not possessed afore hand with overweening, as a great sort be, which think them selves §10wise enough to judge, & receive no more of Gods word than is to their own liking. Let us beware of such devilish pride: and let us subdue all our wits to GOD. And we must also understand, that we should never conceive the things which are delivered unto us in his name, and from him, unless he himself enlightened us: for we be blind wretches, and there is nothing in us but rudeness and beastliness. GOD therefore must in this case work by his holy spirit. On the §20other side, when we read the holy scripture, or come to hear the word declared unto us: let us seek to be edified thereby, and not go about to satisfy our own lusts and foolish appetites, as many people do, which unhallow the word of GOD: for they trouble themselves with many unprofitable questions, and think that they have done much, when they show them selves subtle. But GOD would that his word should profit us,§30 and that it should be expressed in our life. Let us remember those two points, and then we shall see by experience, that our LORD protesteth not in vain by his Prophet Isaiah,1 that where he saith, Seek me, it is in good earnest, and that he will be found: and that when he speaketh, it is his will that we should understand his doctrine.