A17698:4306
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.
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,§30 & not doubt but that there he cometh so familiarly unto us, as we cannot say that we need make long journeys, or that the things are too profound and dark for us. For our Lord doth (as ye would say) chaw our morsels aforehand to us, because of the rudeness which he seeth in us. And so he handleth us like little babes, to the intent we may the easilier swallow down the food which he giveth us. Thus ye may see (I say) how that when we have Gods word preached §40unto us, we must not do as the Papists do, which say, Oh sir, this is to high for me, this gear is not for plain folks, this is to be reserved for the clergy. But let us assure our selves that God speaketh both to great and small, and dallieth not with us when he calleth us to him by his word, but will have us to understand it. Then is it not long of any but ourselves, if when his word is preached unto us, we be not duly instructed in the things that are requisite for our salvation.§50 True it is that we must not steppe to it with presumption, trusting in our own wisdom: but we must desire God to enlighten us, and that as his voice soundeth in our ears, so also he speak to our hearts by his holy spirit. Let us humble our selves, accordingly as we know how it is said that God uttereth his will to such as are little and lowly.