A17698:677
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.
We have said heretofore, that Gods using of the similitude of fire, is not to dismay us in such sort as we should not come unto him: but contrariwise to make us come to him with reverence. For what should it boot men to be stricken in such terror, as should make them shrink away from GOD, and loth to have any thing to do with him? Again we know that our §10Lord hath not any other mark or intent,1 than to win us to him and to draw us to salvation. Now the only mean thereof, is to go right forth unto him, and to be joined unto him. Wherefore let us bear well in mind this lesson, that Gods intent is not to scare us in such wise, as we should shun him: and that is the thing which we have to gather at this time upon that which is rehearsed here. For the threat that Moses giveth here, is hard: but yet it serveth to bring §20the people back to God. If thou disobey the voice of the Lord thy God (sayeth he,) thou shalt be scattered. Flatter not thy self with his choosing of thee from among all other Nations to be his inheritance, nor with his giving of thee this land in possession: for he can well enough bereave thee of all these benefits. Yet notwithstanding, he addeth that if God see repentance in his people, after he hath chastised them: he will bring them again & deal favourably with them, so as they §30shall feel him to be a merciful God, and such a one as poureth not out his rigour with extremity upon offenders, when he seeth that they be not utterly past amendment. What is to be done then? First of all, when we hear this sentence which God gave in old time upon his people: let us learn to beware that we abuse not his goodness. Let us go to him with all humility while he allureth us by gentleness, as the Apostle declareth in the Epistle to the Hebrews.2 For §40there he sayeth that we be not come to Mount Sinai where there was nothing but flashes of Lightening, and Thundercraks: and where the people were so amazed, as they looked for present death. What remaineth then? Behold (saith he,) God calleth us by his Gospel, to the intent we should be fellows with the Angels, & with the spirits of the faithful, and that we should be very Citizens of his kingdom. Seeing it is so (sayeth he:) let us enter into the heavenly Jerusalem,