A17698:4337
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 yet for all that, (as I said afore) after we have confessed it generally, every of us entangleth himself in his own imaginations, and we think not upon it when it cometh to the offending of GOD, we make no account of it, all is one to us, we be as bold as mad men. And must it not needs be then, that the knowledge which we had thereof is overcast with a slumber? Now then forasmuch as men do wittingly deceive themselves, by turning away from this doctrine, that is to wit, that GOD is the Judge of the world: therefore are men here put in mind that vengeance it his, and that he will not forget to execute his office. And so we see now to what purpose Moses used that lesson.
And yet for all that, (as I sayd afore) after wee haue confessed it generally, euery of vs intangleth himselfe in his owne imaginations, and wee thinke not vppon it when it commeth to the offending of GOD, wee make no account of it, all is one to vs, wee bee as bolde as mad men. And must it not needes be then, that the knowledge which wee had thereof is ouercast with a slumber? Now then forasmuch as men doe wittingly deceiue themselues, by turning away from this doctrine, that is to wit, that GOD is the Iudge of the worlde: therefore are men here put in minde that vengeance it his, and that hee will not forget to execute his office. And so wee see now to what purpose Moses vsed that lesson.
Notwithstanding this, Saint Paul allegeth the same even properly also, thereby to restrain us from revenge and from taking upon us the thing that GOD hath reserved to himself.1 Now then my friends (saith he) revenge not your selves, but give place to wrath: for it is written; Vengeance belongeth unto me. There we see how Saint Paul assuageth the choler and unruly passions which carry men away, when they be in a chafe. My friends (saith he) revenge not your selves, for ye must give place to wrath, or else it is all one as if ye strived against GOD, and hindered him from doing his office. But let him alone, for he hath promised that forasmuch as he is the Judge of the world, whensoever you be troubled by your enemies, he will requite them with the