Sermons upon Deuteronomy

But if there be such an upright mind to be found in us that we will seek to serve him purely, & to obey him: surely he will deliver us from all deceit. Thus ye see in effect what we have to remember upon this text.

But if there be such an vpright minde to be found in vs yt we wil seeke to serue him purely, & to obey him: surely hee will deliuer vs frō all deceit. Thus ye see in effect what we haue to remember vpon this text.

Now in the end it is said, that when a false prophet is found out by trial, then it shall appear that he spake upon presumption, and therefore be not afraid of him. Here are two sayings which import two good and profitable warnings. The one is, that he which advanceth himself beyond measure, speaketh proudly. For is there a more devilish pride, than for a mortal man to thrust forth him self as if he were an instrument of Gods spirit, as though he were an Angel from heaven, when in very §40deed he is but a liar, and hath nothing but wind in him? If I take upon me another man• name, & say, such a one hath given me commission: is it not too lewd a falsehood? The party to whom I have done the wrong may come and say, Ah thou liar, how durst thou abuse my name? Such dealing (I say) would be counted great injury. Then if a mortal man advance himself in the name of God, (as for example, if I step up into the pulpit & require audience in the name of God,§50 & yet notwithstanding do fall to seducing of the people:) It is a pride which passeth all others, as I said afore. For it is not simple lying, it is not single deceit, it is not a simple falsifying of this or that: but a turning of Gods trueth into untruth, & a wrapping of God in our falsehoods, & an unhallowing of his holy & sacred name. Therefore let us mark well, how it is not for naught that Moses saith that the false Prophets shall be condemned, yea even because of their proud & presumptuous dealing, and §60