A17698:4573
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 for that cause it is expressly said, That they shall call folk, and offer Sacrifice with them. The thing then in effect which we have to gather upon §30this text is, that we must as much as in us lieth endeavour to draw all men on the earth unto God, that all men may serve him and worship him with one accord. And in deed if we have any kindness in us, sith we see that men go to destruction till God have gotten them under his obedience: ought we not to be moved with pity, to draw the silly souls out of hell, and to bring them into the way of salvation? Again on the other side, sith we know that God is our father; §40should we not be desirous to have him known to be the like to all men? And if we can not find in our hearts that all creatures should do him homage; is it not a token that we have no great regard of his honour? Ye see then how that one of the things whereunto we ought to apply our minds and endeavours is, [first] to procure the silly ignorant souls to serve God: and secondly to be always encouraging of such as are in the right trade. As for example, when we see §50blind wretches run astray; surely if we be able and can have any access or means to do it, we ought to give them a taste of the true religion, that they may submit themselves to God. Again, we know wherein the service of God consisteth, namely in learning his word that we may put our trust in him, and therewithal call upon him, yielding him thanks for all the benefits which he hath bestowed upon us, and dedicating ourselves unto him all our life long.§60 Now at this day his service is spiritual; it consisteth not in the shadows and ceremonies of the Law. Therefore let us provoke each other to resort to the hearing of Gods word, let us treat of it together to the edifying one of another, and let us also give good example of putting our trust in him, of being patient in our adversities, and of walking under his fear. Afterward let us call upon him,1 as which is the chief Sacrifice that he requireth at our hands; let us flee to him alone for refuge; let us yield him the praise that is dew to him for all his benefits, and let us provoke all others to do the like. That is the thing which is declared unto us in the example of Zebulun and Issachar.