A17698:4305
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.
Nevertheless it is true that although God have spoken, yet must he be fain to enlighten our wits with his holy spirit, or else we shall abide still without understanding. But if we consider the doctrine in it self, it is most ⟨p. 1148⟩manifest unto us, and God revealeth himself therein familiarly enough. The thing then which we have to remember upon this text, is that Moses upbraideth the Israelites, that they had been called to God after such a fashion, as they could not have erred unless they had would: and moreover that their end had been showed unto them.
Neuerthelesse it is true yt although God haue spoken, yet must he be faine to inlighten our wits with his holy spirit, or else we shall abide still without vnderstanding. But if wee consider the doctrine in it selfe, it is most ⟨p. 1148⟩manifest vnto vs, and God reueileth himselfe therein familiarly ynough. The thing then which we haue to remember vppon this text, is that Moses vpbraideth the Israelites, that they had beene called to God after such a fashion, as they coulde not haue erred vnlesse they had would: and moreouer that their end had beene shewed vnto them.
And by the word End, he meaneth all the happiness that is promised to all gods children which §10addict themselves to him and rest upon his promises, walking continually under his obedience: and contrariwise the confusion and overthrow of all scornful, and disobedient persons, which despise such grace, withdrawing themselves from him and corrupting his word. To that intent and purpose then doth Moses expressly speak of the end of them. And now must we make our benefit of this lesson. First of all therefore let us mark that (as I have said afore) we may be the wittiest §20folk in the world, and yet we shall be counted as brute beasts and without reason at Gods hand, if we have not a regard of him. The chief point then of our wisdom, is to have our eyes open to behold the light of life, to have profited well in the school of our God, so as we can worship him; and to be no longer as stray cattle, not knowing him that made us and fashioned us, nor yet knowing our selves neither. And therefore let us learn to receive Gods word with all simplicity,