Sermons upon Deuteronomy

although that in executing his office, it was well seen that he was a new creature, and there appeared in him a majesty surmounting the nature of man: and there withal although he had done so many deeds worthy of memory, as might astonish all them that heard speaking of them: yet notwithstanding, in the end God ordained his servant in stead, to lead the people into the land of Canaan, and to put them in possession of their promised heritage, and Moses himself is not worthy to come there. So far off is he from coming there even as a common member shuffled in among the rest of the body: that God driveth him from it: and behold, God reacheth his hand to Joshua, who had never looked for it.

although that in executing his office, it was well seene that hee was a newe creature, and there appeared in him a maiestie surmounting the nature of man: and there withall although hee had done so many deedes worthy of memorie, as might astonishe all them that hearde speaking of them: yet notwithstanding, in the ende God ordeyned his seruant in steede, to leade the people into the lande of Chanaan, and to put them in possession of their promised heritage, and Moses himselfe is not worthy to come there. So far off is hee from cōming there euen as a common member shuffeled in among the rest of the body: that God driueth him from it: and behold, God reacheth his hand to Iosua, who had neuer looked for it.

But now besides that which I have said, (that is to wit, that we be warned to forbear all presumption, and to lay down all pride): let us be well assured, that it belongeth to God to advance us & to make us of estimation, through his mere grace: and that when we shall have heaped up all that ever we can together, all is nothing. Then, besides that we have a good warning to humble our selves: it is showed us therewithal, that we must not envy those by whom God serveth his turn. And that is another good lesson. For we see how every of us repyneth, when God hath advanced any man, specially beyond all worldly hope. Where as we should consider thus, behold God serveth his turn by such a one, every man commendeth him, and there appear manifest gifts of grace in him: when we see those things, we be so malicious, that we grudge & repine at it. But contrariwise we ought to mark, that when we be so pricked with spite and envy, it is an advancing of our selves against God and not against mortal creatures. Therefore let us learn to honour God wheresoever he showeth himself, & to be glad when he vouchsafeth to extend his grace to our neighbours: for if we do so, all shall fall out to our welfare. If another man have mo gracious gifts than I: I am rich in his person. For when we confess the communion of saints: it is to show, that whatsoever God giveth to one man or to another, the same redoundeth to the benefit of all. True it is that we perceive it not at the first push: but yet doth such diversity serve for the whole body of the Church.