A17698:4624
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.
When we have digested this lesson, we shall fare much the better by it all the time of our life. For on the one side we shall be drawn away from the vain imaginations which deceive us. As soon as we have any thing here beneath that makes for us, or if we be any thing aforehand: we do as it were despise God, that is to say, we think not that we have any more need of him. Will they that have their Garners and cellars well stored, call upon God to be fed at his hand? In deed they will say their Paternoster as other men do: but yet there is nothing but filth in them, they bear themselves in hand that they be sufficiently provided for, so as they come not to God for any need. In like case is it with them which are healthy and strong; they consider not the brittleness of their life. To be short, so long as things fall out to our mind and desire in this world, we be so dazzled with it that we resort not unto God, ne know what it is to be guided and governed by him. And therefore let us exercise ourselves in this lesson, ⟨p. 1233⟩that it behooveth us to dwell in heaven: that whensoever God listeth to leave us alone, that is to say to bereave us of all maintenance, so as we be destitute of all helps to trust unto: yet for all that we must not be out of heart. And the reason is, because our safety consisteth not in any of the things which we discern with our natural senses; but in Gods defence. True it is that we perceive not his hand but by saith, for it is invisible. But yet will he make us to perceive §10his succour continually, if we receive his word: and when he showeth his goodness unto us, his power goeth jointly therewith. And therefore first of all, let us be withdrawn from all the vain selfeweeninges which are wont to deceive us: and secondly let us do this honour unto God, that we put our trust in him, knowing that sith he hath care of our welfare, we shall be in safety. And this ought to prevail more now adays, than ever it did. For it is said expressly §20of the reign of our Lord Jesus Christ,1 that every man shall dwell safely under his vine and under his figtree. Seeing then that our Lord Jesus Christ calleth us nowadays unto his protection; let us boldly rest upon him. Albeit that all things go against us, and worldly helps fail us;