A17698:122
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.
For he hath an eye to nothing but to soundness of heart, he doteth not upon these visors that are seen to the eye,1 according to this saying in an other place, namely that the outward shows deceive not him, but that he looketh upon that which is within. Thus much concerning the first point.
For he hath an eye to nothing but to soundnesse of heart, he doteth not vpon these vizors that are seene to the eye,1 according to this saying in an other place, namely that the outward showes deceiue not him, but that he looketh vpon that which is within. Thus much concerning the first point.
But we must apply this text to the same use that Moses putteth it: which is, that after the example of God, we must have this unpartialitie in us, so as we will not be drawn one way nor other by the things that appear in men. And this is a very profitable or rather needful doctrine. True it is that this is spoken expressly to Judges and governors, in as much as God hath taken them near to himself by setting them in his own seat, and by willing them to execute his office in this world: and therefore ought they also to have the greater care to follow uprightness, that they suffer not themselves to be perverted by the things that are to be seen in men. But yet for all that, every man for his own part ought to take warning to follow Gods example, and to frame himself thereafter,1 according also as Saint Paul sendeth us thither, when he speaketh of bondmen and of men of base degree that are easy to be oppressed, because men take leave to do evil when they see that a silly soul cannot revenge himself, and that if he have any wrong done unto him he must be fain to put it up patiently: by reason whereof they presume the more boldly to say, O, as for him, when I have done the worst to him that I can, he hath no means to hurt me. Thus are we the bolder when we see that men are base & have no maintenance. But in this case Saint Paul sayeth that we must lift up our eyes to heaven, and that forasmuch as there is no respect of persons before God, we must not think we shall escape unpunished when we abuse the privilege & authority that he giveth us. He then that despiseth his neighbour ought to think thus: yet notwithstanding, we have a common judge in heaven, & although I be now rich & honourable to the worldward, although I be in authority & estimation, yet when I come thither, all this gear must cease: and although my counterpartie be now despised, & have no man to stand by him, yet hath he a defender in heaven.