A17698:4034
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.
HERE it is showed us, how Moses was not §30contented to serve God & the people unto the which he was appointed all the days of his life: but also did his endeavour, that the remembrance of the name of God might continue among the §40people, and also that all things might be governed accordingly, even after his death. Also he gave them to understand, that Gods calling of him was not to the end that the people should be so entreated for a certain time: but that as the law was given for a witness that God had chosen the children of Abraham; so he would guide them even to the coming of the Redeemer, according whereunto he went through with his calling. That is the very §50thing, which we have here chiefly to observe, when Moses by the commandment of God ordained Joshua to be his successor to govern the people. And therewithal he showeth that he had faithfully travailed all his life, and that it was not for any want of good will, that he gave over the charge that was committed unto him: but because he was altogether forworn with weakness. For if Moses should have withdrawn him to be at rest, the people §60might have been in doubt, and also much discouraged thereby: but whereas he declareth that he never ceased until he had finished his course: therein he showeth the way and example unto all men, that none ought to turn head; but that so long as God doeth prolong their lives, they ought to go on forth whither soever he calleth them, and to be firm and constant without swerving aside or changing. Moreover he showeth us, that we must not shrink away for any mans death, because God continueth evermore in his state. And although that they by whom he meant to be served do perish, yet must not his right be thereby diminished: and that is a point worthy to be remembered. For we see what happened in that people; notwithstanding that they had been forewarned thereof, yet fell they away after the death of Joshua, and God was driven to afflict them by the hands of their enemies to bring them back again. But felt they once again the favour of God? By and by they fell to their old bias again, and remembered not a whit that they were delivered, but returned to their idolatry again.1 The book of the Judges is full of these things. When God had raised up Samuel who was the excellentest of all others: