A17698:4121
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.
But there is yet one point more, which is §20that every one of us must have respect whereunto he is called, and what it is that God hath committed to his hands: for (as we see here) if Joshua had thrust in himself, without God had appointed him, what power could he then have had? Peradventure for a braid or twain he might have done wonders, as we see the Children of this world do, who in their bravery do as it were spit fire for a while as they say, but in the end are quite confounded. And even so should it §30have happened to Joshua. But forasmuch as he tarried till God had showed him his will, therefore he was not disappointed of his hope. So then, let none of us take more upon him than is lawful for him: but let us consider what our office and calling require, and so let every of us keep him within his degree, with all soberness and modesty; and then will GOD be our guide, according to this saying of his, that his Angels shall always bear us company,1 even in §40our journeys, so we go not astray. Now heerewithall it is declared here, that Moses did write this Song and all the book of the Law; and that having written it, he red it openly before all the people, and gave the book of the Law to the Levites, willing them to lay it in the side of the Ark or Coffer of the Covenant, and telling them that it should be a Testimony against the people. Yea and once again he accuseth them of rebellion: Thou shalt know (saith §50he) what a one thou art. God must always have an action framed against thee and be thy Judge; for thou art full of Rebellion, thou wilt not be governed but by strong hand; If thou wouldest willingly serve thy God, he would use thee after a more mild and gentle fashion. But what? Because thou art so hardened in evil, that thou wilt not by any means be bowed, GOD is fain to use rigour. And now yet once again (sayeth he) I will call heaven and §60earth to witness against you. That is the effect of that which is declared in this place.
But there is yet one point more, which is §20