A17698:117
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 let us come now to that which is contained §30here. The first charge that Moses giveth to them that are ordained to be Judges and Governors, is to hear mens causes. Wherein he doeth us to understand, that they ought to be attentive and diligent to understand every mans right. For if a judge vouchsafe not to hear, how shall he execute his office? We know that although men do the best they can to judge aright, yet their frailty is such as they may miss: and if they be negligent too, then §40must all needs go to confusion. Therefore it is not without cause, that Moses warneth the Judges to understand well mens cases. And he sayeth expressly, between the Jews and between the strangers, As if he should say, every man must be suffered to show his reason. Notwithstanding that the examination and sifting out of things may now and then procure favour or hatred: yet the judge that will do his duty well, must forget all things that may turn §50him from the right way. And forasmuch as the stranger hath no upholder nor stay to lean unto: the judge must supply his want. And although he can look for no reward, no nor for any great thanks at his hand to whom he may do right: yet let him not forbear to discharge his duty, for he doeth acceptable service to God: albeit that there come no reward on mens behalf, God is able enough to recompense him.
But let vs come now to that which is conteyned §30here. The first charge that Moses giueth to them that are ordeyned to bee Iudges and Gouernours, is to heare mens causes. Wherein he doeth vs to vnderstand, that they ought to bee attentiue and diligent to vnderstande euery mans right. For if a iudge vouchsafe not to heare, howe shall he execute his office? Wee knowe that although men doe the best they can to iudge aright, yet their frailetie is such as they may misse: and if they be negligent too, then §40must all needes goe to confusion. Therefore it is not without cause, that Moses warneth the Iudges to vnderstande well mens cases. And he sayeth expressely, betweene the Iewes and betweene the straungers, As if he should say, euery man must bee suffered to shewe his reason. Notwithstanding that the examination and sifting out of things may now and then procure fauour or hatred: yet the iudge that will doe his duetie well, must forget all thinges that may turne