A17698:4417
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.
This history hath bin touched already heretofore in the first Chapter,1 where Moses declared that he was deprived of the benefit which he had looked for, that is to say, of enjoying the §10inheritance which God had promised to all the linage of Abraham. Now the full time was come, and Moses had bin appointed of God to deliver the people: by reason whereof there was great likelihood that he above all others should have gone into that land. But when he was to have set his foot into it, then behoved it him to die: and that was a very hard case for him. He made mention thereof afore, to show to the children of Israel, how great and excessive their lewdness §20was, seeing that he was punished for their sakes. For the mischief came not of himself, he had not consented, neither to their murmurings not to their blasphemies, but rather had strained himself to withstand them. Yet notwithstanding, his constancy was not so great as was requisite. Only because he was as a man amazed, and glorified not God with such steadfastness as he ought to have done; he was banished from the land. This doeth he charge §30them with to their reproach. And here he repeateth again, how that after he had published the law, God told him again that he should bear that punishment of not entering into the land of Canaan: and therewithal he telleth him immediately of his death. Now first of all, if we read what is written by Moses himself; it will seem that he overshot not himself in the place that is called Meriba, which aforetime was named Raphirim. 2For there perceiving the people to cry §40that they died for thirst, he called upon God. Moses doeth not take part with them that stormed after that manner, he was no fellow with them, he repined not a God: but rather went to him with all humility, saying; Alas Lord, I am a mortal man, and how may I satisfy this people, unless thou provide for them? Moses resorted unto GOD, his meaning was not to provoke him to wrath, & therewithal it should seem that he looked that God should work §50after his accustomed manner; that is to say, that he should show forth his power. Now then, if a man look upon the outward appearance of the matter, it will seem that Moses behaved himself faithfully, and that he was not to be blamed. Yet notwithstanding, he is condemned, both he & his brother Aaron. And why?