A17698:2680
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.
And whereas it is said that the Judges shall pull §10him away: it serveth to show that it is not enough for men to make good Laws & statutes, but there must also be courage to execute them; there must be a stout and constant mind in those that bear authority. For although that Laws be proclaimed by the sound of the trumpet, and written of record with never so great solemnity: yet are they but dead and all is nothing worth, except that they which sit in the seat of Justice, have the constancy that our §20Lord enjoineth here, and be stout in maintaining the things that are enacted, that men may not laugh them to scorn as we see that the wicked sort do, which make but a mock at them. If a Law have once been proclaimed, they bear themselves in hand that it will be buried within three or four days after. Ye see then how it is a good and profitable warning for all such as have the sword of justice in hand, to have this stoutness of mind and constancy. And for as §30much as it is not to be found in men, (for it is a special virtue attributed to the spirit of God): let such as are in office beseech God to strengthen them, so as they may use force of hand when need requireth, and not be afraid when they see such troubles as might abash them, but stoutly withstand them, yea and also outstand them. That is one thing further which we have to mark upon this place.
And whereas it is said that the Iudges shall pull §10him away: it serueth to shewe that it is not ynough for men to make good Lawes & statutes, but there must also be corage to execute them; there must bee a stoute and constant minde in those that beare authoritie. For although that Lawes be proclaimed by the sound of the trumpet, and written of recorde with neuer so great solemnitie: yet are they but deade and all is nothing worth, except that they which sit in the seate of Iustice, haue the constancie that our §20Lorde inioyneth heere, and be stout in maintaining the things that are inacted, that men may not laugh them to skorne as we see that the wicked sort do, which make but a mocke at them. If a Lawe haue once beene proclaimed, they beare themselues in hande that it will be buried within three or foure dayes after. Yee see then howe it is a good and profitable warning for all such as haue the sworde of iustice in hande, to haue this stoutnesse of minde and constancie. And for as