A17698:4612
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.
Now hereunto Moses addeth, that God rideth §50upon the heavens for our aid, and that his majesty is upon the clouds. This serveth to confirm the doctrine which we have heard afore. And although it be sufficiently expressed already in one word, that God hath not his like; and that he deserveth to be so exalted above all the world, that when he is spoken of, all things ought to stoop; according as it is said in the Prophets; that as soon as his majesty appeareth, the Sun must lose his light,1 & the Moon §60must be darkened. Yet I say: Howsoever the case standeth forasmuch as we conceive not his infinite glory and power: therefore it is said that God rideth upon the heavens, and that his majesty is above the clouds. As if it were told us that all creatures are under his feet, that they be subject unto him, and that he can wield them as he listeth. For if God were mingled with the worldly things, there would be a combat betwixt them, there would be many encounters, and there would needs be rushing against him. When one man cometh against another, it must needs be known which of them is the stronger to drive back his enemy. If God then were in equal and like degree with his creatures, what would come of it? But whereas it is said, that he rideth upon the heavens, and that he surmounteth all things: thereby it is done us to understand, that he hath subdued to him self and to his dominion, whatsoever things may make us afraid. For although Satan be called the prince of this world, although it be said that he fighteth against us from the air,2 and that he is above over our heads: Yet notwithstanding he cometh not at all at God, he is fain to stoop under him. So then in this text we see our unbelief. For when we have gotten the knowledge of all things, if we know not God, what is there in us but utter ignorance and beastliness? For is it not the chief point of our wisdom, to be so grounded in our God, that we can call upon him, and flee unto him for refuge in all our needs? That we doubt not of the assuredness of our salvation, so he kept us? If we have not that; all our life is but wretchedness.
Nowe hereunto Moses addeth, that God rydeth §50