A17698:810
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 let us not look that God should come to us in his inestimable glory, that the heavens should cleave a sunder, and that all the Angels of paradise should appear to us: But when our Lord showeth us that it is he that speaketh, let that suffice us, and let us humble our selves out of hand. For if we will needs be slothful in that case: it shall be cast in our teeth that we turned our backs upon him when he showed us his face. In deed it is said §60unto us in another place, that men cannot behold Gods face without perishing. Insomuch that although he showed himself in such wise to Moses as is spoken of in Numery,1 so that he was familiar with him as with his friend: yet is it said that he saw no more of him but only his back parts. But that is to show us always that we must not presume to press unto GOD, so long as we bear this flesh about us: we must not think to attain so high. For if the very Angels of heaven under the shape of Seraphims,2 do hide themselves when GOD showeth himself: what shall we do, which do but creep here on earth? But howsoever the case stand, yet will God condemn us for our unthankfulness, if we have no list to behold his face, and that the tokens of his presence which he showeth us do not suffice us. Above all things let us bear this in mind, namely that the case concerneth our submitting of our selves as well to the law as to the Gospel. For it is there chiefly that God will be known of men to the end they should worship him, simply receiving whatsoever cometh out of his mouth. Whereunto then shall we apply his saying of Moses? To this end verily that whensoever the scripture is set afore us, so as it is either preached or expounded unto us, or we our selves read it: this preface must serve to humble us, that we may exalt God with all reverence, and not adventure to reply against his word, but tremble at it, as is said in the prophet Isaiah.3 For all that ever is contained in the holy scripture, is so throughly warranted unto us, as it may well be said that GOD hath talked with men, yea and even showed himself to them after a visible manner.
Therefore let vs not looke that God should come to vs in his inestimable glorie, that the heauens should cleaue a sunder, and that all the Angels of paradise should appeare to vs: But when our Lord sheweth vs that it is hee that speaketh, let that suffise vs, and let vs humble our selues out of hand. For if wee will needes bee slothfull in that case: it shall bee cast in our teeth that wee turned our backs vpon him when hee shewed vs his face. In deede it is sayd