A17698:1384
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.
Above all other, they that are in authority must arm themselves with this promise, or else there will be neither constancy nor stoutness in them. For we see what threatenings, and spitings are wrought every where. Insomuch that when even the greatest kings and princes are minded to do right: there needeth but some Courtier to inveigle them, and he shall so alter their mind as (do what they can) they must needs yield to all naughtiness. No doubt but §20that even the greatest princes, (although they themselves intend no such thing) do become stark naught for other mens pleasures, so as they be oftentimes enforced to say, I would fain do the thing that I know to be good, but I dare not for displeasing of such as are about me, because they may stir me up great troubles and unquietness, and therefore I must be fain to yield to them. Again there are a great number of people that will set themselves against me,§30 if I should do my duty. Lo in what taking a prince shall divers times be. Insomuch that if he perceive some officers of his to have committed outrages, pilings, pollings, and extortions, O [sayeth he] I shall lose all my servants hearts if I be too rigorous: therefore must I let such things slip, and though my people be oppressed by it, yet must not I make any countenance that I see it. Ye see then that the greatest princes are the cause of all mischief by their §40inclining to the worser part, when they think they cannot maintain their state, but by favouring wicked persons, and by laying the bridle in their neck. And how then shall they do which have not the like authority? Surely every little blast of wind, and every leaf that falleth from a tree, must needs astonish them out of hand, so as for fear they shall allege thus and thus: Alas, I shall get such a mans displeasure, such an inconvenience may befall me for it: therefore §50I must do such a thing or such a thing to save my self: I see my life would be in danger, and I am but one man alone, I should be made a pray for others. Ye see then how these forecasts are a cause of the overthrow of all right & Justice, so as men keep not one continual train, nor hold themselves at one good stay, but that as soon as they have done any one good deed that is worthy of praise, by and by they undo it again and mar all.
Aboue all other, they that are in authoritie must arme themselues with this promise, or else there wilbe neither constancie nor stoutnesse in them. For wee see what threatninges, and spitings are wrought euery where. Insomuch that when euen the greatest kinges and princes are minded to doe right: there needeth but some Courtier to inuegle them, and hee shall so alter their minde as (doe what they can) they must needes yeeld to all naughtinesse. No doubt but