A17698:3181
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.
For it shall not serve them for an excuse before God, if they allege: Why? I saw that that man was nothing under foot, and as for my self I was in extreme need. No: Our Lord will not have men to give themselves the bridle so far, but that every man should keep himself within his bonds.
For it shall not serue them for an excuse before God, if they alleadge: Why? I sawe that that man was nothing vnder foote, and as for my selfe I was in extreeme neede. No: Our Lorde will not haue men to giue themselues the bridle so farre, but that euery man should keepe himselfe within his bonds.
Now by the way the richer sort are warned to exercise gentleness, and not to be such holdfasts and so miserable, as to be grieved if the poor be relieved by their goods. As for themselves they live still in abundance, they want nothing, yea they have more than will serve their turn: And therefore they ought at leastwise to use some small gentleness to the poor; according whereunto it is said in an other place, That when a rich man gathered in his harvest, he should not glean afterward; but leave it for the poor people to lease and to gather the scattered ears;1 like as if chickens should pick up crumbs, after that a man hath eaten his fill. Ye see then how the rich are taught by this law, so to use their abundance, that they defraud not such as are in need: but seek rather to communicate part of their goods with them: not that they should set out the main heap for him to take which hath need: but that every man should consider his own ability, and although ⟨p. 834⟩there be no certain law, to say: Thou shalt give so much in alms, yet notwithstanding, all men must know, that they are bound by the word of God, to relieve their neighbours, and to extend their liberality towards them, as far as they are able. Thus ye see in effect what we have to bear in mind upon this place.