A17698:69
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.
Therefore when as God telleth the people that they gat it not by their own power, and sendeth them back to the promise that he had made long ago: it is to show us that whereas he is our father, whereas we be maintained by him in this world, and whereas we look for a better and more excellent life than this: we must not dream upon any desert or power of our own, but attribute all wholly to his mere free goodness, in that he uttereth the infinite treasures of his grace and love towards us. Thus much have we to remember in the first place.
Therefore when as God telleth the people that they gat it not by their owne power, and sendeth them backe to the promise that he had made long ago: it is to shewe vs that whereas he is our father, whereas we bee mainteined by him in this world, and whereas wee looke for a better and more excellent life than this: we must not dreame vpon any desert or power of our owne, but attribute all wholly to his meere free goodnesse, in that he vttereth the infinite treasures of his grace and loue towards vs. Thus much haue we to remember in the first place.
Furthermore whereas here is mention made of an oath: let us note that God vouchsafed to stoop so low to the infirmity of the people, as to put them out of all doubt, by swearing by his own name: and so doeth he now likewise ⟨p. 9⟩towards us. For he is not contented to speak only, and to tell us what he will have us to do: but he also confirmeth his promises with a solemn oath. And why? Forasmuch as we be inclined to unbelief, and would ever be wavering if we were not well underpropped: therefore doeth he swear to the end to stablish us the better.
Furthermore whereas here is mention made of an othe: let vs note that God vouchsafed to stoope so lowe to the infirmitie of the people, as to put them out of all doubt, by swearing by his owne name: and so doeth he nowe likewise ⟨p. 9⟩