A17698:2267
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 now let us come to this saying of his, That there shall be poor folk continually. This was spoken §10expressly, to do us to understand that God will try our charity. For he is rich enough to supply all mens wants, and it cometh not of any nigardship, that he poureth not out his treasures upon us. What is the cause then that God suffereth men to be poor in this world, but only to give us occasion to do good? Therefore when we see one man poor & another rich, let us not attribute it to fortune: but let us understand how it is God that disposeth things so, and that it is not §20without reason. True it is that our eyes shall not always see why God enricheth one & impoverisheth another, we cannot discern the cause thereof certainly. And by that means God will have us to cast down our eyes oftentimes, to the end we should yield him the honour of governing men at his will, and according to his own device which is incomprehensible. Yet notwithstanding we have to remember in general, the thing that I have touched already▪ which is, that Gods distributing §30of these worldly goods so unequally, is to bewray what is in mens harts, by making a trial of them that way. So that if a man be rich, he may be the better discerned what a one he is. For thereby he is enabled to do hurt, and can the better endamage his enemies. But if he abstain from doing evil, if he extend no cruelty towards his neighbours, if he hold himself within his own bounds without coveting more than God giveth unto him: it is a sign of honesty, which had not bin §40known if such occasions had not bin ministered unto him. Again, if a man of wealth be liberal so as he endeavour to do good to such as have need of his help, and advance not himself through pride & stateliness; but always behave himself mildly: it is a very good proof. If another man being poor take patiently whatsoever it pleaseth God to send him, & moreover be not led to any deceit or naughtiness how much soever he suffer, or how hard soever his state be: that also is a §50good & behooveful trial. Now then let us mark that whereas there are both rich and poor in this world, God hath so ordained it, & it cometh of his providence: & therefore we must hold it for a sure ground, that there shall never want poor folk.