A17698:3324
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.
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 §10by any other which is stronger than himself: yet notwithstanding, this letteth not but that we may suffer those injuries which are done unto us, even as God commandeth us, and not be led with any desire of revenge. A man will infer thereupon, that then it is not lawful to complain. Nay, that followeth not. For when our Lord Jesus Christ forbiddeth all his to revenge themselves, it is no let but that they may procure the punishment of outrages as much as §20lieth in them, so it be done without all malice and heart burning. In deed I grant that this is a rare case and very hard to be found. For as soon as a man is injured, he is kindled straightway, and thereupon he conceiveth rancour, he fretteth and sumeth, and when he cometh before the Judge, he speweth forth his poison in such sort, that any man may easily perceive his heart and mind is envenomed. Ye see then where the whole mischief lieth, to wit in this,§30 that we are set upon revenge, we maintain our own private quarrel, so that in effect we desire nothing else but that he which hath done us harm, may have his payment, and we by that means be revenged.