A17698:4667
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 in that respect is it said that he was filled with the spirit of wisdom: to do us to understand that God hath always showed himself merciful to his Church, and that as a father hath a care of his children, & provideth them all things meet for them: so God hath always provided aforehand for the necessities of his people. This doctrine (as I said) doeth concern us also. For we have a promise that God will never fail us if we be of his flock and come to him to shroud our selves under his wings, that we may be guided by him: and we know he hath given that office to our Lord Jesus Christ. And for the same cause also he sayeth to his disciples,1 that he will be with them to the worlds end: and that saying extendeth to the whole body of the Church. Seeing then that our Lord Jesus Christ hath said that he will never be separated from us, let us know that in him we have God, who will utter forth all his power to maintain us: But yet it is very much, that besides the promises, we have moreover testimonies thereof, so as he pointeth us with his finger to the thing performed, as it is spoken of here, where we read that Joshua was filled with the spirit of wisdom. For to what end was that done? It happened not by chance, neither had God regard of Joshua alone: but it was because he would show himself to be the safety of the Jews. We nowadays are in the same taking. For if they had abidden in Gods house, we should have bin joined with them. And because ⟨p. 1244⟩they be banished thence and cut off as rotten members, we take their place, as saith S. Paul.2 Now then, let us assure our selves that God will never suffer us to want any thing requisite for our salvation, but continually show his love and favour towards us, and provide us of the things that are for our behoof, if we flee to him for refuge; yea even though we be not worthy thereof. For as for this people, we know what manner of folk they were, and §10how many faults and offences they committed; so as it had been no wonder though God had utterly destroyed them. But now seeing he provided them of men that were fit and meet to defend them; thereby we perceive that God strove with his mercy against the malice of that people. So then, whensoever we be tempted to distrust because we be rebuked for our sins;