A17698:2128
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 what? This is no proof: that is to say, we will not search how the case stands in deed. For the witnesses are dispatched ere they have told half their tales: and that which they have spoken is let slip, so as we see not the thing that is as apparent as the noonday.
But what? This is no proofe: that is to say, we wil not search how the case stands in deede. For the witnesses are dispatched ere they haue tolde halfe their tales: and that which they haue spoken is let slip, so as wee see not the thing that is as apparant as the nooneday.
Now to the end that men should not dally after that sort with God; it is said expressly that inquisition should be made, that the matter should be examined, and information duly taken. And therefore let Justices understand, that they shall not go quit, but that God will hold them guilty, for neglecting their duty, if they do not what they can to bring matters to light, when they hear any complaint or any brute of them. Nevertheless our Lords meaning is not that men should judge at all adventure, but that the crime should be duly proved whether it be so of a truth in deed. He useth two words to show that a Judge ought not to be led by bare suspicion to conclude what he listeth. For we must be fain to bear with the evil when it is not known, because God hath not yet brought it to light. As for example, there be some sins (saith S. Paul) which make hast to come to their condemnation;1 and we see that God doth so thrust and drive some wicked men forward, that they run a head into mischief. ⟨p. 548⟩For sometimes it is Gods will to humble us by making our offences known, that we may feel them and be sorry at the heart for them. Yea & [sometimes again] a man knows not at what end to begin, but is letted that he cannot punish, because he findeth no mean how to do it. Therefore a Judge must be discreet and mild, that he give not sentence upon bare conjectures, but that he first of all do see the matter substantially proved. Now then, here are two notable things: