A17698:2227
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.
Therefore let us understand that our Lords intent was to say here in few words, that men ought to behave themselves so friendly, as no man were oppressed, and that although it lie not in men to let that there should not be both poor and rich among them: yet they should so deal as the poorer sort were not trodden underfoot. For we see that such as are wealthy do lay their snares, and catch whatsoever they can come by, so as the poorer sort dare not come near them: ⟨p. 575⟩and if they get but the value of a pin at their hands, they fleece them of it by and by again. Therefore it was our Lords intent to provide a remedy for that mischief among his people. Now remaineth that we apply this matter to our own behoof. True it is that this order belonged peculiarly to the Jews: but yet doth it concern us also: namely that we should not vex them out of measure, which are indebted unto us. And it may well be among those §10that bear the name of Christians, that they will not go to law upon the Sabbath day: and the reason is, that upon that day every man ought to have leisure to withdraw himself to Godward, to mind his works, that we may all of us be provoked to serve and honour him. For, all our life long we ought to give our selves to praying and supplication. Nevertheless common meetings are made that men may hear the common doctrine of salvation, and it is good reason §20that on the Sabbath day all other cares and thoughts should be laid aside. Notwithstanding let us take good heed that we keep not the single Ceremony only, but also the intent of God therewithal, which is, that our neighbours be not so vexed by us, as they may have occasion to despise God, and to be cast into despair. For our Lord will have us give such respite as the poor may not be over grieved. We see how he saith in other places, that we must not take a §30poor mans matres from under him:1 As for example, when a man hath broken payment, if he bring his bed to lay to gage, our Lord forbiddeth the taking thereof, and likewise the taking of a poor mans raiment which he hath need of to wear. For if he be a cold (saith he) and thou keepest his bed from him, although he speak never a word, yet shall his sides curse thee, because thou beest so hardhearted that thou hast no pity of him when thou seest him afflicted in