A17698:4086
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.
Therefore when we read that which is set down here concerning the cloud; it is all one as if God had set his seal to the doctrine of Moses, to the intent that we should receive it without any replying or doubting, and think that it was not Moses that was the chief author thereof; but that he was the instrument of the holy Ghost. Thus you see how the same miracle doeth yet at this day apply it self unto us, and how we ought to be edified thereby. But by the way, we see the malice of men, in that they which had seen such a sign with their eyes, did yet for all that not cease to play the rebels against Moses. It is a ⟨p. 1088⟩great matter, that God should put forth his hand as if his majesty descended from heaven, & testify unto men that it was he that spake, & that yet notwithstanding the people should still continue like wild beasts, and not vouchsafe to hearken unto him. Is there any reason in that? Nevertheless we see it in the people of Israel. Albeit that in the time of Joshua, there was some good government; yet ceased they not to abuse the benefits which they had received afore time. Indeed §10there was no general falling away: but yet to say that the people did behave themselves uprightly in the obedience of God, it wanted a great deal thereof. Therefore we see that whatsoever God doth, men notwithstanding be so blind & blockish, that they cannot find in their hearts to submit themselves unto him: and if they do, it is not with any constancy or steadfastness. Sith we know this, let us cast down our eyes, and pray to our God, that when he giveth us any signs to confirm §20us in the obedience of his word, & to edify us in the faith, we may have the skill to profit ourselves thereby, so as he loose not his labour, nor we strive against his power: but that as soon as it showeth it self, we may be moved to honour him, & to yield unto him his due glory. Thus much have we to gather upon this place, where it is said that God having caused Moses and Joshua to come unto the Tabernacle, did therewithal appear in the cloud. It is out of doubt, that God shifteth §30not his place: for (as we have already said) he filleth all places with his essence: howbeit in respect of men, it is said that he descended from heaven. To what end? Because that when we perceive his presence, it is said that he is nigh unto us. Is it because that there is any change in him?