A17698:3141
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 moreover let us bear in mind that which hath bin already declared, namely that to be excused by law, is not all that we ought to seek: for there is a law of five in the hundred. And this is a general law because Magistrates cannot set a certain rate for every case: but they appoint that a man may take five in the hundred. And why? For traffic sake, and because this stint might not be passed. Now, may §20I say therefore that it is lawful to take always five in the hundred? No. For if a man which is in need come unto me: and I take gain of him, what excuse soever I bring, I shall be accounted a thief and an usurer before God. For he is in need: my part is to help him, and I do not. Ye see then what we have likewise to bear in mind.
And moreouer let vs beare in minde that which hath bin alreadie declared, namely that to be excused by lawe, is not all that wee ought to seeke: for there is a lawe of fiue in ye hundred. And this is a generall lawe because Magistrates cannot set a certaine rate for euerie case: but they appoint that a man may take fiue in the hundred. And why? For trafficke sake, and because this stint might not be passed. Nowe, may §20I say therefore that it is lawfull to take alwaies fiue in the hundred? No. For if a man which is in neede come vnto mee: and I take gaine of him, what excuse soeuen I bring, I shall bee accounted a theefe and an vsurer before God. For he is in neede: my part is to helpe him, and I do not. Ye see then what we haue likewise to beare in minde.
Now withal also let us note on the contrary side, that when •e think to avoid the §30word of usury or interest, we must beware that we fall not into a greater and more outrageous fault in the sight of God. For it may so be, that I will lend my money without such interest as the law permitteth me, I will take nothing for it: but I will put unto it a tail which shall mar all. A man cometh & desireth me to lend him a hundred crowns, well he shall pawn unto me a piece of land which is worth two hundred. It falleth out that the bond is forfeited.