A17698:812
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.
But we have an answer here, wherewith to cut off the occasion of all this: which is, that whereas GOD sendeth his word by the hand of men, he doeth it in respect of mens default and infirmity. Nevertheless he ceaseth ⟨p. 184⟩not to give us some mark of his glory, whereby his word is sufficiently known to be heavenly: insomuch that if the matter be duly scanned, it appeareth that God hath warranted it throughly. So then, it is not only for the ancient fathers, that Moses spake: but this warning is directed to us also: that is to wit, that although men be appointed as messengers to preach Gods word to us, yet ought not that to diminish the majesty thereof any whit at all.§10 And in deed we do misconsider our own frailty, when we desire that God should work miracles daily: nay verily we cannot tell what is meet for us. For as touching miracles, there have bin enough wrought already for the warranting of the trueth as well of the Law as of the Gospel, that we might be fully certified of them. Yet notwithstanding it is expedient for us at this day, that God should send us men like our selves, with commission from §20him to teach us in his name and in his stead, as one that allureth us to him with all gentleness and courtesy. Think we that we were able to abide his presence, if he should come to us in such sort as he is in deed? Alas no: there were no shift for us but we should be all consumed. If God should speak in his strength: we know how it is said that it would make the very rocks and mountains to melt: and could we that are as feeble as any thing may be,1 be §30able to outstand such force, that it should not thunder down upon us and destroy us? Therefore let us mark well that when God ordained that his word should be preached unto us, and that we should have it in writing, therein he applied himself to our weakness, dealing with us as if himself were a mortal man, to the intent we should not be afraid to come unto him, but be drawn to him with all gentleness. Again, how highly doth he honour us, in that it pleaseth §40him to choose men of no reputation among us, to represent his person and to speak to us in his name? For what could he give more to the Angels of heaven? Could he give them a more honourable charge or office?