A17698:4396
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.
I Have told you heretofore how it was no very pleasant thing to the children of Israel, to hear the contents of this song which I have expounded. For therein God accuseth them to have bin unthankful to him from the beginning: insomuch that whereas he had uttered all the treasures of his goodness towards them; they had §30abused the same most wickedly, and bin unfaithful to him, and that, not for once and away, but by showing themselves always unreformable. Now, this might well have grieved them: but yet was Moses fain to show them the will of God. And so we see that they which are set in office to teach the people, must not sooth them up nor seek to please them, according to the saying of S. Paul that men shall have itching §40ears,1 desirous to be fed with wind: but they whom God hath placed in the office of Shepherds, must not bend themselves that way. Although then we see men spiteful against Gods word, and to conceive an utter misliking of the things which we be commanded to declare unto them: yet must we follow our commission, and discharge our selves faithfully of our duties. For although men like not to be reproved: yet is it for their benefit nevertheless. As for §50example, a sick person will perchance refuse a medicine: but yet must he receive it, for it is for his health. Likewise although the people of Israel were stubborn: yet notwithstanding they did patiently abide this doctrine which was rough and hard, as we see. And hereby we be done to understand, that if we cannot abide that God should blame us for our sins, & reprove us sharply when we have deserved it; we be worse than those to whom God hath spoken heretofore.§60 Now God calleth them a cursed and froward generation: and what shall then become of us? So then, if we be not pliable to submit our selves to God willingly, at leastwise when we have done amiss; Or if he find such frowardness in us that we have need to be handled roughly: let us bear it with all mildness and meekness. Thus much concerning that point where it is reported that Moses spake or uttered all the words of the song in the hearing of the people.
I Haue told you heretofore how it was no very pleasant thing to the children of Israel, to heare ye contentes of this song which I haue expounded. For therein God accuseth them to haue bin vnthankfull to him from the beginning: insomuch that whereas he had vttered all the treasures of his goodnes towardes them; they had