A17698:656
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 that even when we know him and do understand that it is he which ought to be honoured, yet we be so unconstant and wavering still, as to turn away after our own dotages: shall we not be doubly condemned? Shall not horrible vengeance hang over our heads? Then let us bear in mind, that inasmuch as our Lord hath made a covenant with us, that is to say, hath called us into his Church to be taught by his word: that this is the only mean, wherewith we may be armed and fortified against all superstitions. This is one point. And let us also mark therewithal, that horrible condemnation hangeth over our heads, if we wander away, and hold not our selves to the simplicity of Gods doctrine, but be carried away hither and thither by our own lusts. These are the two points which we have to mark upon this text. Wherefore let us learn to make our profit and commodity of the word that is preached unto us for the same purpose. That is to wit, albeit that all be full of corruption and error, yet let not us be shaken down, nor be wavering as many men are, to say, ⟨p. 147⟩yea marry, but there is so much disagreement [that I wot not what to do]. Let us not allege this:1 but let us say with the prophet Isaiah, Behold, this is our God▪ behold, this is our God. And by that means let us defy all that the devil can set before us to turn us aside. Yea let us not make any reckoning at all of it. And why? Because the light that God giveth us, is strong enough to drive away all darkness, and the truth is strong enough to beat back all lies. Thus see ye I §10say what the power of faith ought to be: When we have well printed in remembrance the doctrine that is preached unto us, and yet notwithstanding continue still for all that in blindness, and be still as reeds shaken with every wind: Let us understand this that we know not God, nor yet ever understood of what great value his covenant towards us was, nor ever were knit to him as we should be: but that there was hypocrisy instead of that protestation §20that we made to follow his word. But let us mark herewithall, that our condemnation shall be doubled, if we run astray after we have known the truth. For if Gods covenant cannot hold us in obedience: must it not needs be that we be as clouds? And what an unthankfulness is that?