A17698:3323
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.
It is GOD that is the fountain of all Justice, and of all trueth: it is he which is the maintainer of it. Therefore when we see that God hath exalted mortal creatures so much and advanced them to so high degree, as to maintain his own cause to say: This is right, and this is wrong; when God (I say) hath given men such authority, is there not in them an over wicked or rather an over beastly unthankfulness, if they be not moved hereby with some zeal to discharge their duty?
It is GOD that is the fountaine of all Iustice, and of all trueth: it is hee which is the maintayner of it. Therefore when we see that God hath exalted mortall creatures so much and aduaunced them to so high degree, as to maintaine his owne cause to say: This is right, and this is wrong; when God (I say) hath giuen men such authoritie, is there not in them an ouer wicked or rather an ouer beastlie vnthankefulnesse, if they bee not moued heereby with some zeale to dischardge theyr duetie?
But here a man might demand, whether he which is wrongfully hurt may complain or no. For we are commanded to be patient: and we know the exhortation of our Lord Jesus Christ:1 If one strike thee on the cheek, receive two blows rather than seek to revenge thy self of him which did thee wrong. Now then, if we must be patient in injuries as we are commanded: how is it lawful to make our complaint before a Judge? This matter shall be handled more at large anon. Nevertheless let us note here, first that when God ordaineth a form of civill order, he treateth not always what is lawful for every party▪ ou• he showeth what is the office of Magistrates. ⟨p. 874⟩that is to be noted for one point. Secondly let us note, that God meant to arm the magistrate to defend every mans right and to see that no man be wronged either in his body or in his goods: and his so doing is to this intent, that we should use this benefit of his: but yet no otherwise than according to his will. Now then albeit the magistrates ought to consider that they have authority to punish evil doers, so as every man may live in peace and not be oppressed