A17698:2401
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.
Moses having said so, addeth now, That men must not wrest the law, nor have respect of persons, nor take rewards or gifts. And he addeth the reason. For gifts (saith he) do blind the eyes of the wise, and pervert the words of the righteous. First he setteth down here a general rule, that men should not wrest the Law. For in deed we may liken equity to a right line: and if it writhe to the one side or to the other, by and by it is iniquity. And therefore Moses sayeth, thou shalt not wrest the Law, that is to say, thou shalt have thine eye upon the line of Justice, and follow it without swerving one way or other. And heerewithall he showeth how the same may be performed, namely by respecting no mans person, and by eschewing to take rewards. For when we consider a deed simply in it self; even nature teacheth •s what to do. True it is that we had ⟨p. 623⟩need to call upon GOD continually: for we see how weak of understanding and courage we be even in the things that are most evident: oftentimes we be stark blind in them. Then must not men presume upon their own wit, and think themselves wise enough to judge of all things that are set before us: but we must understand that it is a heavenly gift,1 as Solomon declareth. And if we be cumbered in the smallest matters; §10how shall we do when we come to give sentence of matters of great weight? Judges therefore must first humble themselves, and consider that if they be not governed by Gods holy spirit, they shall not be able to hold them to true Justice; and therefore they must refer themselves to GOD and ask counsel at his mouth, that they may be taught by his word; and they must give themselves over to his spirit, and submit themselves thereunto.
Moses hauing sayde so, addeth nowe, That men must not wrest the lawe, nor haue respect of persons, nor take rewardes or giftes. And he addeth the reason. For giftes (saith hee) doe blind the eyes of the wise, and peruert the wordes of the righteous. First he setteth downe heere a generall rule, that men should not wrest the Lawe. For in deede wee may liken equitie to a right lyne: and if it wrythe to the one side or to the other, by and by it is iniquitie. And therefore Moses sayeth, thou shalt not wrest the Lawe, that is to say, thou shalt haue thyne eye vppon the lyne of Iustice, and followe it without swaruing one way or other. And heerewithall hee sheweth howe the same may bee performed, namely by respecting no mans person, and by eschewing to take rewardes. For when we consider a deede simply in it selfe; euen nature teacheth s what to doe. True it is that wee had