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A17698:2068

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.

John Calvin 1509–1564London: printed by Henry Middleton for George Bishop, 1583

[12], 1247, [145] p. · 1.5M words · STC 4442 · ESTC S107166

Title page: Princeton Theological Seminary Library copy, digitized by the Internet Archive (opens the Internet Archive in a new tab)

THE SERMONS of Master John Calvin upon the fifth book of Moses call… › Sermon 87: On Saturday the xij. of October. 1555. The Lxxxvij Sermon, which is the second upon the…THE SERMONS of Master Iohn Caluin vpon the fifth booke of Moses cal… › Sermon 87: On Saturday the xij. of October. 1555. The Lxxxvij Sermon, which is the second vpon the…

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.

[ Earlier:2065–2080 of 6,323

:2065p. 533§60

Now moreover it is told us, that we must follow Gods word and hearken to him, that we may serve him and stick to him. And this is still to show us that which I have declared afore: namely, that we can never be at any stay, unless we know well what God it is whom we worship. For if we be in doubt, there needeth nothing to shake us down, as we see by experience. Therefore let us learn to profit so in our Gods school, as we may not be removed by false doctrines, but may have wherewith to withstand the sleights of Satan, as was declared more at large yesterday.

Nowe moreouer it is tolde vs, that wee must followe Gods worde and hearken to him, that wee may serue him and sticke to him. And this is still to shewe vs that which I haue declared afore: namely, that wee can neuer bee at any stay, vnlesse wee knowe well what God it is whome wee worship. For if wee bee in dout, there needeth nothing to shake vs downe, as wee see by experience. Therefore let vs learne to profite so in our Gods schoole, as wee may not bee remoued by false doctrines, but may haue wherwith to withstande the sleightes of Satan, as was declared more at large yesterday.

:2066p. 533§60

But let us go back again to this saying, that although the false Prophet have given some sign or foretold some wonder, and the same thing is come to pass: yet notwithstanding we must hold our own still. Here it might be demanded whether the devil can prophesy or no. I stand not much upon that, it is not material: but I have answered before, that GOD is above him, and that it is his will that his Church should live in warfare, to the end that the faith of all his might be exercised. Then if a deceiver foretell a thing, and the same fall out in deed: it is not to be said, but that GOD hath given him the bridle. Therefore it is not for us to trouble

But let vs goe backe againe to this saying, that although the false Prophet haue giuen some signe or foretolde some wonder, and the same thing is come to passe: yet notwithstanding wee must hold our owne still. Here it might be demaunded whether the diuell can prophesie or no. I stande not much vppon that, it is not materiall: but I haue aunswered before, that GOD is aboue him, and that it is his will that his Church shoulde liue in warrefare, to the ende that the faith of all his might be exercised. Then if a deceiuer foretell a thing, and the same fal out in deede: it is not to bee saide, but that GOD hath giuen him the brydle. Therefore it is not for vs to trouble

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John Calvin, Sermons upon Deuteronomy (At London, 1583), serm. 87, §40, p. 536. EEBO-TCP A17698.

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Title as printed: 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.
Author: John Calvin 1509–1564
Place: London
Printer: Henry Middleton
Bookseller: George Bishop
Year: 1583
Size: [12], 1247, [145] p.
Words: 1,484,943
Catalogue: STC 4442 · ESTC S107166
Text: EEBO-TCP A17698

Passages: 6,323
Sections: 1,725

:2067p. 536§60

entrance into us: but also (as Saint Paul saith) to be diligent in purging of Gods Church from them,¹ that such a plague be not nourished among us. And truly if we knew our own frailty, and considered well on the other side what Satan is able to do against us: it is certain that we would stand more upon our guard than we be wont to do. True it is (as I have said already) that we would fain repose and stay our selves upon GOD, so as §10we might not minister any occasion to Satan to beguile us; and surely if we through our own fond desire of seeking lies, did not cast ourselves into Satan's snares, we should be sure that GOD would always preserve us. But forasmuch as we be too too weak, and Satan needs no more but to hold up his finger to us, to carry us out of hand from the right way of salvation: in respect thereof we ought so much the more to seek the remedies whereby §20to prevent the mischief. Again let us consider what Satan is able to do:² He is the prince of this world, and therefore we shall soon be overtaken by him, the rather if we be slothful, careless, or negligent. Then is it not without cause that our Lord warneth us to take so good order, as such a plague may not lurk among us; that is to wit, that we may not have deceivers to beguile the simple, and to mar them by turning them from the pure trueth.§30 For it is a likelihood that we would fain be turned away from GOD, when we give the mischief such scope. If there were a breach in our town wall, and our enemies were at hand or that we were already besieged, so as we looked for the assault every minute of an hour; would we not provide for it? Now the case standeth so with us, that our enemy is not only at hand, but also is entered in already. When we hear his lies, and withstand them not, nor §40make account of them; we may seem to be wilfully disposed to perish, as we be worthy. And as touching us that are shepherds, it standeth us in hand to have a double voice. For we must gather together the sheep as much as is possible: and when they be in the flock, we must keep them there quietly. But if there be wolves also, and thieves that would invade the flock: against those we must cry out aloud.

entraunce into vs: but also (as Saint Paul sayth) to bee diligent in purging of Gods Churche from them,¹ that such a plague be not nourished among vs. And truely if wee knewe our owne frailtie, and considered well on the other side what Sathan is able to doe against vs: it is certaine that wee woulde stande more vppon our garde than we be wont to doe. Trewe it is (as I haue sayde alreadie) that wee woulde fayne repose and staye our selues vppon GOD, so as §10we might not minister any occasion to Satan to beguyle vs; and surely if wee through our owne fonde desire of seeking lyes, did not cast ourselues into Sathans snares, wee shoulde be sure that GOD woulde alwayes preserue vs. But forasmuch as we bee too too weake, and Sathan needes no more but to holde vppe his finger to vs, to carrie vs out of hande from the right way of saluation: in respect thereof wee ought so much the more to seeke the remedies whereby §20to preuent the mischiefe. Againe let vs consider what Satan is able to doe:² He is the prince of this worlde, and therefore wee shall soone be ouertaken by him, the rather if wee be slothfull, carelesse, or negligent. Then is it not without cause that our Lorde warneth vs to take so good order, as such a plague may not lurke among vs; that is to wit, that wee may not haue deceiuers to beguile the simple, and to marre them by turning them from the pure trueth.§30 For it is a likelihoode that wee woulde faine bee turned away from GOD, when wee giue the mischiefe such scope. If there were a breach in our towne wall, and our enemies were at hand or that wee were alreadie beseeged, so as wee looked for the assault euerie minute of an houre; would we not prouide for it? Now the case standeth so with vs, that our enemie is not onely at hande, but also is entered in already. When wee heare his lyes, and withstand them not, ne §40make account of thē; we may seeme to be wilfully disposed to perish, as wee bee worthie. And as touching vs that are shepheardes, it standeth vs in hande to haue a double voyce. For wee must gather together the sheepe as much as is possible: and when they bee in the flocke, wee must keepe them there quietly. But if there be wolues also, and theeues that woulde inuade the flocke: against those we must crye out aloude.

1Gal. 5.9.12. & Tit. 3.10.
2John 12.31.Iohn 12.31.

:2068p. 536§40

And yet besides this, such as have the sword §50in their hand, must provide for it also, and every man to his power must strain himself to keep Gods Church from infecting with such poison, that the devil may not have his full scope to falsify the pure trueth, to advance himself against GOD, to overthrow the right religion, and (at a word) to turn all things upside down: but we must let these things as much as we can. Wherefore let us mark, that it was Gods will that false prophets should be §60rooted out from among his people. Now at the first sight this Law seemeth to be overstreite: for is it meet that a man should be punished so sore for speaking his mind? Verily it is a wonder that we can abide that one should be punished for speaking against a mortal man, and that when a man shall have blasphemed the living GOD, we could find in our hearts that he should scape unpunished. It appeareth what zeal is in them, which would have such rigour abolished. If a Prince be misused, men will think that death is too small a thing for the offender, and that the fact can not be sufficiently revenged, insomuch that whosoever speaketh against the princes authority shall be punished, and no man will speak against it. If a man be found so wicked as to procure a rebellion, or to raise an insurrection among the people, very well, he must loose his head for it, and no man will say that such a Law is unjust or wicked. And why? Because it serves for the maintenance of the state and common weal of the Country. And yet for all this, whereas GOD hath the sovereign dominion of all, a worm of the earth shall set himself against him, and go about to rob him of his honour, and to deface his majesty and authority; and yet all this shall be as nothing, it shall be let slip, and because it is but words, there is no reason why such punishment should ensue of it. But they that say so, do well show that they have no love at all towards GOD, but (which worse is) that they could find in their hearts that all things were confounded together in a hotchpotche, so as men might scoff at GOD and at his majesty, and turn all religion into a mockery and scorn. To be short, whosoever he is that speaketh so: he is not to be taken for an ignorant person, seeing he would that false doctrines should be unpunished:

And yet besides this, such as haue the sworde §50in their hande, must prouide for it also, and euerie man to his power must streine himselfe to keepe Gods Church from infecting with suche poyson, that the deuill may not haue his full scope to falsifie the pure trueth, to aduaunce himselfe against GOD, to ouerthrowe the right religion, and (at a worde) to turne all thinges vpside downe: but we must let these thinges as much as we can. Wherefore let vs marke, that it was Gods will that falseprophetes shoulde be §60rooted out from among his people. Nowe at the first sight this Lawe seemeth to bee ouerstreite: for is it meete that a man shoulde bee punished so sore for speaking his minde? Verily it is a wonder that we can abide that one shoulde be punished for speaking against a mortall man, and that when a man shall haue blasphemed the liuing GOD, we coulde finde in our heartes that he shoulde scape vnpunished. It appeareth what zeale is in them, which woulde haue such rigour abolished. If a Prince be misused, men will thinke that death is too small a thing for the offender, and that the fact can not be sufficiently reuendged, insomuch that whosoeuer speaketh against the princes authoritie shall bee punished, and no man will speake against it. If a man be founde so wicked as to procure a rebellion, or to rayse an insurrection among the people, verie well, he must loose his heade for it, and no man will say that such a Lawe is vniust or wicked. And why? Because it serues for the mainteynaunce of the state and common weale of the Countrey. And yet for all this, whereas GOD hath the soueraigne dominion of all, a woorme of the earth shall sette himselfe against him, and goe about to robbe him of his honour, and to deface his maiestie and authoritie; and yet all this shall be as nothing, it shall be let slippe, and because it is but woordes, there is no reason why such punishement should ensewe of it. But they that say so, doe well shewe that they haue no loue at all towardes GOD, but (which worse is) that they coulde finde in their heartes that all thinges were confounded together in a hotchpotche, so as men might scoffe at GOD and at his maiestie, and turne all religion into a mockerie and scorne. To be shorte, whosoeuer he is that speaketh so: he is not to be taken for an ignoraunt person, seeing hee woulde that false doctrines shoulde be vnpunished:

:2069p. 536–537§60

but rather he is to be counted a despiser of GOD, and an upholder of the devil, which seeketh nothing else but the •urning of all things upside down in the world. For our part, let us learn to have Gods honour in such estimation, that whereas we revenge the wrongs done to men, we think it much more reason that the party should be punished which violateth the majesty of him that hath created and fashioned us. And the matter concerneth not only the honour of God, but also the salvation of our own souls: for they be things inseparable. And that ought well to whet us on the more, not to bear with the errors and deceits of false prophets. See how GOD witnesseth the infinite Love that he beareth us, in that he matcheth our salvation with his own glory, so as men can not touch the one without hurting of the other: insomuch that if a man deface the honour of GOD, the salvation of man is assailed therewithal. In respect whereof GOD sayeth unto us, suffer me not to be misused among you, nor your selves to be enticed to shrink from my obedience: But if there be any wicked man among you, that goeth about to egg you away, beware ye nourish not such a plague. Doeth not our Lord in so saying show, that we can not serve to his honour, nor maintain him in his estate, but that in so doing we procure our own welfare? And therefore these dalliers and mockers that ⟨p. 537⟩would have us to bear with all manner of false doctrine, and that it should be Lawful for every man to spew out whatsoever he listeth, (besides that they show themselves traitors to GOD, and utter defacers of his majesty if it lay in them to do it:) do also bewray themselves to be enemies of mankind, and desirous to bring their souls to ruin and destruction, so as they be worse than murderers. Let us mark then that if Gods honour §10be precious in our sight, and that the salvation of our own souls be deer unto us; we must not nourish heresies, nor abuses, nor any other of Satan's trumperies; but every of us in his own state and calling, must procure the purging of Gods Church from all evil, that we may worship him with one common consent, that his doctrine may be received, and that there may be no division among us.

but rather hee is to bee counted a despiser of GOD, and an vphoulder of the deuill, which seeketh nothing else but the •urning of all thinges vpside downe in the worlde. For our parte, lette vs learne to haue Gods honour in such estimation, that wheras we reuenge the wronges doone to men, wee thinke it much more reason that the partie shoulde bee punished which violateth the maiestie of him that hath created and fashioned vs. And the matter concerneth not onely the honour of God, but also the saluation of our owne soules: for they be thinges inseparable. And that ought well to whette vs on the more, not to beare with the erroures and deceites of false prophetes. See howe GOD witnesseth the infinite Loue that hee beareth vs, in that hee matcheth our saluation with his owne glorie, so as men canne not touche the one without hurting of the other: insomuch that if a man deface the honour of GOD, the saluation of man is assayled therewithall. In respect whereof GOD sayeth vnto vs, suffer mee not to bee misused among you, nor your selues to bee inticed to shrinke from my obedience: But if there be any wicked man among you, that goeth about to egge you away, beware yee nourishe not such a plague. Doeth not our Lorde in so saying shewe, that wee can not serue to his honour, nor mayntaine him in his estate, but that in so dooing wee procure our owne welfare? And therefore these dalyers and mockers that ⟨p. 537⟩woulde haue vs to beare with all manner of false doctrine, and that it shoulde bee Lawefull for euerie man to spewe out whatsoeuer hee lysteth, (besides that they shewe themselues traitours to GOD, and vtter defacers of his maiestie if it lay in them to doe it:) doe also bewraye themselues to bee enemies of mankinde, and desirous to bring their soules to ruine and destruction, so as they bee worse than murtherers. Let vs marke then that if Gods honour §10bee precious in our sight, and that the saluation of our owne soules bee deere vnto vs; we must not nourishe heresies, nor abuses, nor any other of Sathans trumperies; but euerie of vs in his owne state and calling, must procure the purging of Gods Churche from all euill, that wee may worshippe him with one common consent, that his doctrine may bee receiued, and that there may bee no diuision among vs.

:2070p. 537§20

But this was said to the people of old time. Yea, and Gods honour must not be diminished by us at this day: the reasons that I have alleged already do serve as well for us as for them. Then let us not think that this Law is a special Law for the Jews: but let us understand that GOD intended to deliver us a general rule, to which we must tie our selves. In deed it is alleged that when our Lord Jesus Christ came into the world,§30 he advanced not his doctrine by the sword, but rather both he and his were persecuted, and therefore that the right way to maintain the true religion, is not to punish such as set up themselves against it: but rather to hold our selves contented with the spiritual sword, and to use that in our fighting against Satan, so as our unholding of the trueth, be always by sufferance and patience, if the world do persecute it. But let us see whether our Lord §40have excluded and banished Princes and Magistrates and Officers of Justice out of his flock, so as they may not be Christians. No surely. For when he speaketh of the kingdom of our Lord Jesus Christ, he sayeth expressly; Ye kings stand you in awe; and ye Judges of the earth,¹ humble you your selves, and all of you kiss the Son. Moreover, before he speak to private persons, he willeth expressly that Kings, Judges, and Officers of Justice §50should do homage to our Lord Jesus Christ: then they be called to the knowledge of the Gospel. And in deed, according hereunto it is said in the Psalm, that kings shall come to submit themselves to him that was to be sent to be the redeemer.² And again that they shall be as foster fathers to the Church, and that Queens shall give her suck; that is to say, that such as have the sword of Justice in their hand, shall take Gods Church into their protection §60to maintain it in the pure doctrine, and in the same Religion that is set down in Gods word. Sith it is so, it is to be concluded, not only that it is Lawful for all Kings and Magistrates, to punish heretics and such as have perverted the pure trueth: but also that they be bound to do it, and that they misbehave themselves towards GOD, if they suffer errors to roost without redress, and employ not their whole power to show a greater zeal in that behalf than in all other things.

But this was sayde to the people of olde time. Yea, and Gods honour must not be diminished by vs at this day: the reasons that I haue alleadged alreadie doe serue as well for vs as for them. Then lette vs not thinke that this Lawe is a speciall Lawe for the Iewes: but let vs vnderstande that GOD intended to deliuer vs a generall rule, to which wee must tye our selues. In deede it is alleadged that when our Lorde Iesus Christ came into the worlde,§30 he aduaunced not his doctrine by the sworde, but rather both he and his were persecuted, and therefore that the right way to mayntaine the true religion, is not to punishe such as set vppe themselues against it: but rather to holde our selues contented with the spirituall swoorde, and to vse that in our fighting against Satan, so as our vnholding of the trueth, bee alwayes by sufferaunce and patience, if the worlde doe persecute it. But lette vs see whether our Lorde §40haue excluded and banished Princes and Magistrates and Officers of Iustice out of his flocke, so as they may not be Christians. No surely. For when he speaketh of the kingdome of our Lorde Iesus Christe, hee sayeth expresly; Yee kinges stande you in awe; and yee Iudges of the earth,¹ humble you your selues, and all of you kisse the sonne. Moreouer, before hee speake to priuate persons, hee willeth expresly that Kinges, Iudges, and Officers of Iustice §50shoulde doe homage to our Lorde Iesus Christ: then they bee called to the knowledge of ye Gospell. And in deede, according heereunto it is sayde in the Psalme, that kinges shall come to submitte themselues to him that was to bee sent to be the redeemer.² And againe that they shal be as foster fathers to the Churche, and that Queenes shall giue her sucke; that is to saye, that such as haue the sworde of Iustice in their hande, shall take Gods Churche into their protection §60to mainteine it in the pure doctrine, and in the same Religion that is set downe in Gods worde. Sith it is so, it is to be concluded, not onely that it is Lawefull for all Kinges and Magistrates, to punish heretikes and such as haue peruerted the pure trueth: but also that they be bounde to doe it, and that they misbehaue themselues towardes GOD, if they suffer errours to roust without redresse, and employ not their whole power to shewe a greater zeale in that behalfe than in all other thinges.

1Psal. 2.10.
2Psa. 72.10.11 • 13•.4. & Esa. 49.7.23

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For is it reason that he which sitteth in the seat of Justice, should punish a thief for doing wrong but to the value of five shillings: and in the mean while let a traitor to GOD go unpunished? Gods name is thereby blasphemed,¹ his trueth which is his image is trampled under foot, and it is much more than if a man should rend some [princes] Coat armour in pieces. In so doing the living image of GOD is scorned, and as it were spitted at, and the salvation of mens souls hindered: and shall the Magistrates sit still at it like idols? They must punish a thief for the value of fifteen pence; and behold, this is such a traitor as goeth about to confound heaven and earth together, and must the same go unpunished? What a dealing were that? Doeth not even nature teach what is to be done in this behalf? And as for those that say that we should let the evil weeds grow still, do they not show themselves to be grown out of kind like monsters, and that they be more intolerable than if they were stark mad? For it should seem that their meaning is to defy the whole order of nature, and men see that they not only speak against GOD, but also poison mens souls, and bewray themselves not to have one drop of settled discretion. Now then let us mark, that sith God hath declared that in the reign of his Son, even kings should be called to the knowledge of the trueth, and become a part of his Church: It behoveth them to give example to their people, and it is good reason that they should employ their whole power and authority to maintain the good doctrine, and to cause GOD to be honoured and served, and to drive away all idolatry and superstition, and to see that it be not Lawful for any man to spew out blasphemies against GOD. That is the thing which we have to mark upon this place.

For is it reason that he which sitteth in the seate of Iustice, shoulde punishe a theefe for doing wrong but to the valewe of fiue shillinges: and in the meane while let a traytour to GOD goe vnpunished? Gods name is thereby blasphemed,¹ his trueth whiche is his image is trampled vnder foote, and it is much more than if a man should rende some [princes] Cotearmour in peeces. In so dooing the liuing image of GOD is skorned, and as it were spitted at, and the saluation of mennes soules hindered: and shall the Magistrates sit still at it like ydolles? They must punish a theefe for the valewe of fifteene pence; and beholde, this is such a traytour as goeth about to confounde heauen and earth together, and must the same go vnpunished? What a dealing were that? Doeth not euen nature teache what is to be doone in this behalfe? And as for those that say that we should let the euill weedes growe still, doe they not shewe themselues to be growen out of kinde like monsters, and that they bee more intollerable than if they were starke madde? For it shoulde seeme that their meaning is to defie the whole order of nature, and men see that they not onely speake against GOD, but also poyson mennes soules, and bewray themselues not to haue one droppe of setled discretion. Nowe then let vs marke, that sith God hath declared that in the reigne of his Sonne, euen kinges shoulde bee called to the knowledge of the trueth, and become a parte of his Church: It behoueth them to giue example to their people, and it is good reason that they shoulde employ their whole power and authoritie to maintaine the good doctrine, and to cause GOD to be honored and serued, and to driue away all ydolatrie and superstition, and to see that it bee not Lawefull for anie man to spewe out blasphemies agaynst GOD. That is the thing which we haue to marke vpon this place.

12. Cor. 3.18.

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And whereas it is alleged that Jesus Christ used not the material sword to advance his doctrine withal: that is true, and we also bring not the sword in our hand into the pulpit to prove the things that we preach. But let us learn to put a difference between offices, and let us consider how our Lord Jesus Christ came to preach his word, when he would that such as receive it should every man in his own state and calling, follow whatsoever is ordained for him. Now it is true that in the time of our Lord Jesus Christ, the great men of the world clave not to the Gospel, no more than we see them do yet still at this day: but the little ones and weaklings were fain to be chosen, thereby to beat down the pride of the world, as Saint Paul avoweth in the first to the Corinthians. Ye see (sayeth he) that there be not many noble men,¹ men of power, or wise men among you. And why? For men ⟨p. 538⟩are but too much given to the advancing of themselves: and if God had begun at the great ones, the little ones should have seemed as nothing. But God meant to beat down all pride, that men might learn to challenge nothing to themselves. Notwithstanding howsoever the case stand, when the great ones are called to the service of God, then must they employ themselves in the things that belong to their charge. For the things that I alleged out of Isaiah, David,§10 and diverse other Psalms, belong to the reign of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the state of the Christian Church. Therefore must we needs conclude, that our Lord will have Princes and magistrates to use the sword that is given them, to the maintenance of his honour, and of the unity of faith and good agreement; so as if any man raise up trouble or go about to sow darnel, he may be rooted out. But is not that punishment too rigorous? [Yes:] for some will §20well enough grant (as constrained thereunto) that it is good that heresies should be repressed: but that it were too great an extremity to proceed so far as to punish them with death. Yea, but (as I said afore) we must esteem Gods honour as it deserveth. For if we would that deceivers should be reproved, so as they might not have their mouths open, and yet that they should not be utterly suppressed as were requisite:

And whereas it is alleadged that Iesus Christ vsed not the materiall sworde to aduaunce his doctrine withall: that is true, and wee also bring not the sworde in our hande into the pulpit to prooue the things that wee preache. But lette vs learne to put a difference betweene offices, and let vs consider howe our Lorde Iesus Christe came to preache his worde, when hee woulde that such as receiue it should euerie man in his owne state and calling, followe whatsoeuer is ordeined for him. Nowe it is true that in the time of our Lorde Iesus Christ, the great men of the worlde claue not to the Gospell, no more than we see them doe yet still at this day: but the little ones and weak•linges were faine to be chosen, thereby to beate downe the pride of the worlde, as Saint Paule auoweth in the first to the Corinthians. Ye see (sayeth he) that there bee not many noble men,¹ men of power, or wise men among you. And why? For men ⟨p. 538⟩are but too much giuen to the aduauncing of themselues: and if God had begunne at the great ones, the litle ones shoulde haue seemed as nothing. But God ment to beate downe all pride, that men might learne to chalendge nothing to themselues. Notwithstanding howesoeuer the case stand, when the great ones are called to the seruice of God, then must they imploy thēselues in the thinges that belong to their charge. For the thinges that I alleadged out of Esay, Dauid,§10 and diuerse other Psalmes, belong to the reigne of our Lorde Iesus Christ, and to the state of the Christian Church. Therefore must we needes conclude, that our Lorde will haue Princes and magistrates to vse the sworde that is giuen them, to the mainteynaunce of his honour, and of the vnitie of faith and good agreement; so as if any man rayse vp trouble or goe about to sowe darnell, he may be rooted out. But is not that punishment too rigorous? [Yes:] for some will §20well ynough graunt (as constrained thereunto) that it is good that heresies shoulde be repressed: but that it were too great an extremitie to proceede so farre as to punishe them with death. Yea, but (as I sayde afore) wee must esteeme Gods honour as it deserueth. For if wee woulde that deceiuers shoulde be reprooued, so as they might not haue their mouthes open, and yet that they shoulde not bee vtterly suppressed as were requisite:

11. Cor. 1.26

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Bet God for all that, will not fail to be had in estimation as I said afore: yea and that to our cost, if we go that way to work. For the very cause in deed, why we see the world infected with so many troubles and errors, is our laziness in that we have neither zeal nor disposition to beat down the leasings of Satan. Nay rather §40(which worse is) there are a great number which maintain them willingly. And yet in the mean while men cry out that all things are confounded, that all things go to havoc, and that there are so great troubles as is pity to behold. And what is the cause thereof? Even the princes that are willing to maintain errors, and further them by all means they can, so as it may seem that they be of Satan's setting up, as it were to uphold his part against §50God and his word. Their people likewise desire nothing so much, as to be fed with lies; that is all their seeking, and God sendeth it them. For (as I have showed afore) it is a just reward for them. Why then should men cry alas, or why should they be grieved at the matter, when all men both great and small seek the utter defacing of Gods trueth, and to give scope to all manner of leasings? Therefore let us learn in any wise to have the zeal and affection which §60our Lord commandeth us: or else it will come to pass the heresies and errors shall in the end pick out our eyes, if we feed them still as we be seen to do. Let us take the forementioned example of Ananias, and Jeremiah. Jeremiah taught in the name of God,¹ and it was proved sufficiently that he stepped not forth on his own head: and yet for all that, the people would have had him to let them alone, that every man might have followed his own wicked lusts; they could not away with him, God his threatenings were to corrosive, and therefore every man sought to withstand Jeremiah. Yea (quoth they) shall this fellow trouble us thus continually? Now hereupon God sent a deceiver that went about to make Jeremiah a liar before all the people assembled in the Temple: and no doubt but a great number were offended at it specially such as might consider, or say thus: What? We have here the Temple of God, as he himself appointed,² and it is the place where he will be worshipped; we have the Law, we have Gods promise that he will dwell among us for ever.

Bet God for all that, will not faile to be had in estimation as I sayde afore: yea and that to our cost, if wee goe that way to worke. For the very cause in deede, why we see the worlde infected with so many troubles and errours, is our lasines in that wee haue neither zeale nor disposition to beate downe the leasinges of Satan. Nay rather §40(which worse is) there are a great number which maintaine them willingly. And yet in the meane while men crye out that all thinges are confounded, that all thinges goe to hauocke, and that there are so greate troubles as is pitie to beholde. And what is the cause thereof? Euen the princes that are willing to maintaine errours, and further them by all meanes they can, so as it may seeme that they bee of Satans setting vp, as it were to vpholde his part against §50God and his worde. Their people likewise desire nothing so much, as to be fedde with lyes; that is al their seeking, and God sendeth it them. For (as I haue shewed afore) it is a iust rewarde for them. Why then should men cry alas, or why should they be greeued at the matter, when all men both great and small seeke the vtter defacing of Gods trueth, and to giue scope to all manner of leasinges? Therefore let vs learne in any wise to haue the zeale and affectiō which §60our Lorde commaundeth vs: or else it wil come to passe the heresies and errours shall in the end picke out our eyes, if we feede them still as wee be seene to doe. Let vs take the forementioned example of Ananias, and Ieremie. Ieremie taught in the name of God,¹ and it was prooued sufficiently that hee stepped not foorth on his owne heade: and yet for all that, the people woulde haue hadde him to let them alone, that euerie man might haue followed his owne wicked lusts; they could not away with him, God his threatninges were to corrasiue, and therefore euery man sought to withstande Ieremie. Yea (quoth they) shall this fellowe trouble vs thus continually? Nowe heereupon God sent a deceiuer that went about to make Ieremie a lyer before all the people assembled in the Temple: and no doubt but a great number were offended at it specially such as might consider, or say thus: What? We haue heere the Temple of God, as he himselfe appointed,² and it is the place where he will be worshipped; wee haue the Lawe, wee haue Gods promise that he will dwell among vs for euer.

1Jer. 28.9.Ier. 28.9.
22. Sam 7.10. & 1. Kin. 6.13 . & 8.13. Exo. 25.8.••.29.45.

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And yet now behold, here are two prophets, of whom the one says, ye shall go into captivity, and the other says, it shall not be so. Besides this the deceiver fell to buffeting of Jeremiah as it were to shame him, and giveth him the lye, so as Gods prophet was fain to stand there as abashed at the sight of such trouble. By reason whereof many might be sore moved as I said afore. But what? Let us a little consider the state of that people. For when the governors were assembled, (which ought to have maintained the pure religion, and had the prophet Jeremiah as it were in their keeping) they to show themselves void of all just dealing, did not only set themselves against Jeremiah,¹ but also (which worse is) affirm him to be worthy of death. Thus ye see how Gods prophet was condemned both of great and small: insomuch that every man ran upon him. For they were fully bent to give themselves to all wickedness, and to be no more threatened in the name of GOD. If we see the like nowadays, let us understand that we be worthy of such payment. For without going any further, for all the preaching of the Gospel among us, how is it received? what reverence yield we to it? All men rush out into disorder, and we need not speak any more of the popish superstitions: for there is so devilish wickedness to be seen, that even such as have been counted the simplest clowns, are fraughted full of blasphemies to spite GOD withal and to laugh his word openly to scorn. Ye see what murmuring there is, specially when vices are rebuked. To be short, mens only desire is to have dumb dogs, such as may have no authority at all to speak, and unruly people, drunkards, gluttons, Lecherous, and I wot not what else. At a word, men would have either dogs or swine in the pulpit. This is the thing that they seek for; And this is mens desires in most places; who in stead of good and faithful servants to GOD, do choose dogs and swine. And if a man seek the remedy and the redress of it: He must go to the new found isles, for there is no man here that will meddle with it. Sith we see such dealing, let us consider what manner of obedience and fear of God there is in such folk. So ⟨p. 539⟩much the more therefore doth it stand us in hand to bear the exhortation well in mind which I have set down already:

And yet nowe beholde, heere are two prophetes, of whome the one sayes, ye shall go into captiuitie, and the other sayes, it shall not be so. Besides this the deceiuer fell to buffeting of Ieremie as it were to shame him, and giueth him the lye, so as Gods prophet was faine to stande there as abashed at the sight of such trouble. By reason whereof many might be sore moued as I sayde afore. But what? Let vs a litle consider the state of that people. For when the gouernours were assembled, (which ought to haue mainteyned the pure religion, and had the prophet Ieremie as it were in their keeping) they to shewe themselues voyde of all iust dealing, did not onely sette themselues against Ieremie,¹ but also (which worse is) affirme him to be worthie of death. Thus yee see howe Gods prophet was condemned both of greate and small: insomuch that euerie man ranne vppon him. For they were fully bent to giue themselues to all wickednesse, and to bee no more threatned in the name of GOD. If wee see the like noweadayes, let vs vnderstande that we bee worthy of such payment. For without going anie further, for all the preaching of the Gospell among vs, howe is it receiued? what reuerence yeelde wee to it? All men rush out into disorder, and we neede not speake any more of the popishe superstitions: for there is so deuilish wickednesse to bee seene, that euen such as haue beene counted the simplest cloynes, are fraughted full of blasphemies to spyte GOD withall and to laugh his worde openly to skorne. Yee see what murmuring there is, specially when vices are rebuked. To be shorte, mennes onely desire is to haue dumbe dogges, such as may haue no authoritie at all to speake, and vnruly people, drunkardes, gluttons, Leacherous, and I wote not what else. At a worde, men woulde haue either dogges or swine in the pulpit. This is the thing that they seeke for; And this is mennes desires in most places; who in steede of good and faithfull seruauntes to GOD, doe choose dogges and swine. And if a man seeke the remedie and the redresse of it: Hee must goe to the newe founde yles, for there is no man heere that will meddle with it. Sith we see such dealing, let vs consider what manner of obedience and feare of God there is in such folke. So ⟨p. 539⟩much the more therfore doth it stand vs in hand to beare ye exhortation wel in mind which I haue set downe alreadie:

1Jer. 26.1.••Ier. 26.1.••

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namely that Gods working of our salvation is always matched with his own glory. And therefore whensoever he persuadeth us to maintain his honour, it is all one as if he said, Ye wretched people, if ye make reckoning of the salvation of your own souls: ye must provide also that I may bear sway among you, and that I may be honoured: and therefore §10see that ye lay for it. Gods meaning then hereby is to show us that he will have his honour maintained by making us furtherers of his case, and that he will have us to set it forward as much as in us lies, or else we shall be a pray to the devil. Seeing that he uttereth such love towards us, it is no reason that we on our side should be negligent: but it behoveth us to endeavour that errors and heresies may be rooted out from among us. For if we do not, we must §20look for the reward that I spake of, and God giveth us too much proof of it. On the other side when we follow the order that is showed us here, we must understand that it behoveth us to have Gods honour in such estimation, as all other things may be nothing with us in comparison of that. Which thing will come to pass, if we stick steadfastly to his word, and hold our selves to it though we be assaulted on all sides; and specially if we resist the mischief by looking to it aforehand, so as it nestle §30not among us. Therefore let us take heed that we bend our selves to it every man in his calling; and then we need not to doubt but that GOD will strengthen us and stablish us in the faith which we have received of him, so as we shall continue steadfastly therein unto the end, and be throughly well fenced against all the assaults of Satan and his underlings.

namely yt Gods working of our saluation is alwayes matched with his owne glorie. And therefore whensoeuer he perswadeth vs to maintaine his honour, it is all one as if he sayd, Ye wretched people, if ye make reckening of the saluation of your owne soules: yee must prouide also that I may beare sway among you, and that I may be honored: and therefore §10see that yee lay for it. Gods meaning then heereby is to shewe vs that he will haue his honour mainteined by making vs furtherers of his case, and that he will haue vs to sette it foreward as much as in vs lyes, or else we shalbe a pray to the deuill. Seeing that hee vttereth such loue towardes vs, it is no reason that wee on our side shoulde be negligent: but it behoueth vs to indeuour that errours and heresies may be rooted out from among vs. For if we doe not, we must §20looke for the rewarde that I spake of, and God giueth vs too much proofe of it. On the other side when wee followe the order that is shewed vs heere, we must vnderstande that it behoueth vs to haue Gods honour in such estimation, as all other thinges may bee nothing with vs in comparison of that. Which thing will come to passe, if wee sticke stedfastly to his worde, and holde our selues to it though wee bee assaulted on all sides; and specially if wee resist the mischiefe by looking to it aforehande, so as it nestle §30not among vs. Therefore let vs take heede that we bende our selues to it euerie man in his calling; and then wee neede not to doubt but that GOD will strengthen vs and stablish vs in the faith which wee haue receiued of him, so as we shal continue stedfastly therein vnto the end, and be throughly well fenced against all the assaultes of Satan and his vnderlinges.

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Now let us fall down in the presence of our good God with acknowledgement of our faults, praying him to make us perceive them better, And therewithal forasmuch as we should soon be overtaken by false teachers, let us flee for succour to our God, and yield him thanks for his ridding of us from the heresies and errors wherein we were snarled, and for his giving of us the food of life; praying him to make us to taste thereof in such wise, as we may never be turned away from it, but wisely discern the way of life and the way of death asunder, to the end that our salvation may be kept safe in his hands, and we in the mean while eschew the wiles that Satan worketh against every of us particularly, so as we may put them from us lustily, and they have no access unto us: but that we may stick so steadfastly to our God, as our whole seeking may be to acknowledge him for our king, and we behave our selves as his people, that he also may always avow us to be so. That it may please him to grant this grace not only to us, but also to all people and nations of the earth. &c.

Nowe let vs fall downe in the presence of our good God with acknowledgement of our faultes, praying him to make vs perceiue them better, And therewithall forasmuch as wee should soone be ouertaken by false teachers, let vs flee for succour to our God, and yeelde him thankes for his ridding of vs from the heresies and errours wherein wee were snarled, and for his giuing of vs the foode of life; praying him to make vs to tast thereof in such wise, as wee may neuer be turned away from it, but wisely discerne the way of life and the way of death asunder, to the ende that our saluation may bee kept safe in his handes, and we in the meane while eschewe the wyles that Satan worketh against euerie of vs particularly, so as wee may put them from vs lustily, and they haue no accesse vnto vs: but that wee may sticke so stedfastly to our God, as our whole seeking may be to acknowledge him for our king, and wee behaue our selues as his people, that hee also may alwayes auowe vs to be so. That it may please him to grant this grace not onely to vs, but also to all people and nations of the earth. &c.

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6 If thine own brother the son of thy Mother, or thine own son, or thy daughter, or the wife that is in thy bosom, or thy neighbour that is to thee as thine own soul, go about to entice thee, saying secretly, Let us go and serve other gods which thou hast not known, nor yet thy fathers: 7 That is to wit, any of the gods of the nations that are about thee, whether they be near thee or far off from thee, from the one side of the earth to the other: 8 Consent not to him, neither give ear unto him: neither let thine eye favour him, show him not any pity, neither conceal him. 9 But thou shalt put him to death, thy hand shall be the first upon him to put him to death, and afterward the hand of all the people. 10 And thou shalt stone him with stones and so he shall die: (for he hath sought to thrust thee from the Lord thy God, which brought thee out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage:) 11 That all Israel may hear and be afraid, and not do such a wicked thing among you any more.

6 If thine owne brother the sonne of thy Mother, or thine owne sonne, or thy daughter, or the wife that is in thy bosomme, or thy neighbour that is to thee as thyne owne soule, goe about to intice thee, saying secretly, Let vs goe and serue other gods which thou hast not knowen, nor yet thy fathers: 7 That is to wit, any of the gods of the nations that are about thee, whether they bee neere thee or farre off from thee, from the one side of the earth to the other: 8 Consent not to him, neither giue eare vnto him: neither let thine eye fauour him, shewe him not any pitie, neither conceale him. 9 But thou shalt put him to death, thy hande shalbe the first vpon him to put him to death, and afterward the hand of all the people. 10 And thou shalt stone him with stones and so he shall die: (for he hath sought to thrust thee from the Lorde thy God, which brought thee out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage:) 11 That all Israell may heare and be afraide, and not doe such a wicked thing among you any more.

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¹Had we the zeal in us that is spoken of in the Psalm, that we took the reproach which is done unto GOD, as if it were offered to our selves: this law here were in a manner needless. For every of us would willingly of his own accord endeavour to maintain Gods honour. But now inasmuch as many men think it to be too excessive rigour to put the troublers and §10perverters of religion to death: thereby it appeareth that we despise Gods honour and make no great account of it. For every of us would fain have his own honour maintained, and if any man have stormed against us, we think the time will never come soon enough for us to be revenged. If a man do us any wrong or injury, we would that every man should set himself against it in our defence: but if Gods honour be trampled under foot, we §20let it slip. We see then how cold and unlustie we be, but this unlustinesse of ours deserveth a more shameful name. For if a man suffer his father to be scorned, folk will say he is not worthy to live in the world, because he doeth against his kind. And behold, GOD is as it were torn in pieces by wicked mens advancing of themselves to rend asunder the union of the faith wherethrough it is his will to be known, and whereby it is his §30will to reign among us: and that is borne withal. And is not that a token, that if it lay in us we would never have any remembrance of GOD at all? But forasmuch as there is so little zeal in us; therefore is this Law given us. And GOD declareth that he is not unmindful of his own majesty, but that he will have the defacing thereof to be punished. Nay rather he showeth that he disclaimeth us for his people, if we have not a special regard of §40this case of his.

¹HAd we the zeale in vs that is spoken of in the Psalme, that wee tooke the reproch which is done vnto GOD, as if it were offered to our selues: this lawe here were in a manner needelesse. For euerie of vs woulde willingly of his owne accorde indeuour to maintaine Gods honour. But nowe inasmuch as manie men thinke it to be too excessiue rigour to put the troublers and §10peruerters of religion to death: thereby it appeareth that we despise Gods honour and make no greate account of it. For euerie of vs would faine haue his owne honour maynteined, and if anie man haue stormed against vs, wee thinke the time will neuer come soone ynough for vs to bee reuenged. If a man doe vs any wrong or iniurie, wee woulde that euerie man shoulde sette himselfe against it in our defence: but if Gods honour bee trampled vnder foote, wee §20lette it slippe. Wee see then howe colde and vnlustie wee bee, but this vnlustinesse of ours deserueth a more shamefull name. For if a man suffer his father to bee scorned, folke will say hee is not worthie to liue in the worlde, because he doeth against his kinde. And beholde, GOD is as it were torne in peeces by wicked mennes aduauncing of themselues to rend asunder the vnion of the fayth wherethrough it is his will to bee knowen, and whereby it is his §30will to reigne among vs: and that is borne withall. And is not that a token, that if it lay in vs wee woulde neuer haue any remembraunce of GOD at all? But forasmuch as there is so litle zeale in vs; therefore is this Lawe giuen vs. And GOD declareth that hee is not vnmindefull of his owne maiestie, but that hee will haue the defacing thereof to bee punished. Naye rather hee sheweth that hee disclaymeth vs for his people, if we haue not a speciall regarde of §40this case of his.

1Psal. 69.10.