A17698:4540
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.
To be short, let us note, that when God giveth us his promises after that manner; they shall seem to be disappointed of their effect and performance through the unthankfulness of the world, for that there are a great many which refuse Gods §30goodness & shut the gate against him, so as they be not partakers thereof. That is the cause why God showeth not himself liberal towards us any more. For if we could skill to enjoy his goodness; surely he would always outgo our expectation, & all our wishes. But what? We will have him to content us, and to please us in all cases: and in the mean while it should seem that we have conspired against him, to keep him back from doing us good. Therefore let us not think it §40strange if God perform not his promises which he hath made unto us with his own mouth; for we our selves be the cause thereof. Nevertheless, although the world be so malicious and froward, that (to all seeming) men would wilfully disappoint all Gods gracious dealings: yet notwithstanding let us not doubt but that there shall ever be some small number whom God will maintain. Only let us endeavour to live under Gods wings, that we may be preserved by him, & suffer §50him to dwell between our shoulders. We hear what warning S. Paul giveth us thereof,1 how he saith that we must bear the Lord both in our bodies & in our souls. True it is that there is not now any material temple builded any where, wherein to do sacrifice: but▪ every of us is the temple of God, and that is with condition that we should bear him, according to S. Paul• saying, who useth the same word. And how do we bear him? In knowing that it belongeth to him to be §60the sovereign & to reign over us, and to have all preeminence; & that it behooveth us to bow down our necks to receive his yoke, and to obey him in all respects. And if we do so, let us not doubt but that God watcheth for us continually, so as all the assaults and temptations of the world shall not prevail any thing at all against us. Insomuch that although we be like to perish a hundred times, yea and to be overwhelmed; yet will he utter forth his power to preserve us, and we shall be saved in the mids of death, so as we may keep on our course still. When thunder seemeth to come down from above, & nothing is to be seen upon earth but confusion everywhere; then let us not doubt but God giveth us incomprehensible safety.