A17698:4349
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.
Such as think that God hath hitherto already threatened the heathen & uncircumcised, which scorned the Jews when they saw them in adversity, expound this text as though our Lord should say that he will maintain the case of his people, when he sees them become such a scorning stock to the Infidels, and that he will rejoice §50in so doing. For the second word which Moses useth, betokeneth sometimes to comfort. But we must remember what hath been said afore, namely that GOD continueth in threatening such as cannot be subdued but by main force, according to the hardness of heart which we know to have been in that people. It was not enough then for God to have threatened them in a word or twain: but it stood him upon to hold them as it were imprisoned.§60 And that is the cause why he addeth now, That God will judge his people. As if he should say, Those whom GOD hath chosen must not think to have a privilege to be let alone unpunished in their offences and wicked doings: it is clean contrary: for therein will God show his Justice. And although God be Judge of the whole world in general: yet will he be known to be so chiefly in his Church as the which is his house,1 and it is good reason that he should have a care thereof and show himself to watch over it. And therefore when they that have been trained in Gods word, and are his flock do run astray: he must needs reform them first of all. And that is the cause why the Prophet faith that Judgement shall begin at Gods house, which thing Saint Peter allegeth also. And it is a very notable saying, and such a one as may serve us to great purpose. For we be abashed when we see God lay his hand upon them that call upon his name, and are counted of the number of his servants. When he handleth them more roughly than he doth the Infidels, which belong no whit unto him, it seemeth strange. But we must note what I have alleged afore, namely that forasmuch as GOD acknowledgeth us for his household folk, he must needs have a special care of us. Therefore when he sees us go astray, he reformeth us, whereas in the mean while he makes as though he saw not the faults of those that are strangers to him, which never ⟨p. 1160⟩knew him, and which never had any instruction by his word: he giveth them the bridle for a time: