A17698:3322
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 he addeth afterwards: That he which is just, must be declared such a one, and he which hath offended must be condemned. We see that God is not contented to have the ceremony only used, and that men should receive the indictment▪ or bill or supplication which is put up; but he will have §60the Judge to proceed to definitive sentence. For this long differing of sentence, serveth to no other end, but to hinder all right and to weary the party whose cause is just, & thereby to make him give over his suit. That is the very end of it. In deed this is ill dealing: but yet is it commonly used. So then for this cause God having first commanded that mens complaints should be heard, addeth that they must proceed unto sentence. As if he had said; that the Judges must deal simply and uprightly, and not think that they have discharged their duty, when they have made men believe that they have done somewhat: but they must make a riddance of such causes as come before them, they must condemn him which hath done wrong, & maintain the just man, they must declare themselves to be the protectors of good causes. Thus we see in effect what Gods meaning is in this place. And hereby we may gather how far we are from following the rule which is given us. For a man may see oftentimes the clean contrary. But yet for all that, this doctrine ought to be received, and although corruptions be over common in the world, yet seeing God hath vouchsafed to teach them with his own mouth which sit in the seat of Justice, let them think so much the better on their duty, let them take the bit in their mouths as we say, and suffer themselves to be ruled by GOD, and let them know that if they abuse their estate and calling, it is not for nought that GOD hath spoken. And therefore let them be the better instructed to their salvation. But if they make no account hereof, they shall perceive that GOD dallieth not in pronouncing his vengeance against them: but that he will speedily execute it, if they be so negligent in doing that which he commandeth. And in very deed men are too too blockish, (I mean those which were placed in the seat of Justice) in that the honour which GOD vouchsafeth them, moveth them not to do their duties. Is it a small thing to maintain right, and to condemn that which is evil? Nay verily: For it belongeth unto God.
And he addeth afterwardes: That he which is iust, must be declared such a one, and he which hath offended must be condemned. We see that God is not contented to haue the ceremonie only vsed, and that men should receiue the inditement or bill or supplication which is put vp; but he will haue