A17698:4638
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 here we have to call to mind the thing which hath been laid forth already more at length; that is to wit, the obedientnesse of Moses. For he knew well that his going up thither §10as God called him, was to the intent he should die. Death then was not so grievous unto him, but that he prepared himself unto it when he saw it was Gods will it should be so. And by this example we be taught to live in such sort, as we may always have one foot lifted up to go, whensoever GOD listeth to take us hence to himself. And in deed, what win the stubborn sort by their desirousness to eschew death, but to be overcome by force §20when they have fretted and chafed never so much? It is a point of slender discretion when men consider not that as God hath set them here, so he ought also to have authority to take them away again when he listeth. We show ourselves to be destitute of wit and reason like brute beasts, if we have not such consideration with us. Wherefore let us learn to finish our course in such wise, walking as Pilgrims upon earth: as we may evermore be ready and well disposed §30to depart from it, whensoever God showeth us that our hour is come. But truly that can not be done, except we conceive a hope of a better life.1 For (as saith S. Paul) naturally we be loth to be unhoused; there is no man but he would fain continue still. Therefore it standeth us in hand to know that our true dwelling place is not here in this world, and that we be but only to pass through it. So then, without faith we can never obey God,2 specially when we be §40to depart out of the world; but we will always grind our teeth at it, so as if it were possible, we would fight against God. But when we once conceive that our inheritance is above, and that God hath a better life in store for us: then do we determine and prepare to submit ourselves unto him, whensoever he giveth us any token that we must depart hence. After that manner shall we follow the example of Moses.
And heere we haue to cal to minde the thing which hath beene layde foorth already more at length; that is to wit, the obedientnesse of Moses. For he knewe well that his going vp thither