Sermons upon Deuteronomy

But there is yet this point to be noted where it is said, That there had been Giants in all the Countries of the nations afore mentioned▪ and that God had driven them out. For Moses intended to do us to w•, that the successors of Ammon, Moab, and Esau, had been brought into those countries by the hand of God. As if he should say, there was no force in themselves to conquer the countries that they possessed: for they were too far over matched. And therefore as touching their bringing of their matters to pass: it must be concluded that it was god which wrought that change. Mark that for one point.

But there is yet this point to bee noted where it is saide, That there had beene Gyants in all the Countries of the nations afore mentioned▪ and that God had driuen them out. For Moses intended to doe vs to w•, that the successours of Ammon, Moab, and Esau, had beene brought into those countries by the hande of God. As if he should say, there was no force in themselues to conquer the countries that they possessed: for they were too farre ouer matched. And therefore as touching their bringing of their matters to passe: it must be concluded that it was god which wrought that chaunge. Mark that for one point.

And he addeth, that it was to be considered that the children of Israel had gotten the possession of their land after the like manner. He speaketh here as of a matter already come to pass. As if he should say, Go to, look about ye my friends; see how God bringeth you into the land that he promised to your fathers for an inheritance. When ye be come thither, and that he hath settled you there: think ye that he would maintain you there, if he had not compassion upon you, according as you shall have good need thereof? For ye shall be hated of all the world: and therefore your God must be fain to maintain you. Now if you be desirous to be preserved by him, attempt not any thing against his hand, and you shall perceive that he will set himself against all such as shall go about to hurt you. Therefore must you be gentle towards them that are in the same case that you are. Now we see what Moses meaning is. Wherefore let us learn to come home to our selves when we consider not Gods benefits towards other men, as in deed oftentimes we have our eyes blindfolded. If a man tell us that we ought to consider the good that God hath done to our neighbour: we pass not for it. But when we enter into our selves, then are we convicted, and we learn what it is to forsake others. That is the common lesson which is given us here. As how? for it would be dark still, if it were not set out plainlyer by example. If it be said unto us generally, God hath given every man that which his pleasure is that he shall have and possess: thereupon such as pill and poll their neighbours, & use violence and extortion, notwithstanding that they make their quarrel against creatures, do in deed match themselves against God, who will have order kept in the world. When any man tells us hereof, we are not persuaded of it that it should be so. For we have ever some fond toy or other to blear our own eyes with all. What, say we? Is such a man rich by the will of God? And how know we that? Nay rather, I see he is enriched by evil means. We make no bones in construing the thing the clean contrary way. And why? Because we consider not Gods grace in our neighbours. But if a man say unto us: See what God hath done for thee: thou must do him homage for it: