Sermons upon Deuteronomy

Sith we see this, let us bethink our selves the better, and when men chaw things grossly unto us, let us not think they do us wrong, as some do, who be so nice, that if a man use a rough style to them, Oh, say they, I understood all this by a word or twain, by like I am a little babe. To be short, they be weary if a man bring them not matter of great sharpness: for they fondly presume in their §60own imagination, that even at the first dash they know all that is necessary. But behold, God speaketh here in another style and language. Why doth he so? He seeth there is need. So then let us suffer our selves to be taught according to our capacity; & seeing we be slowed; if our Lord waken us, let us receive it meekly, and learn to do our selves good by it. And so ye see what we have to gather upon all these texts.

Sith wee see this, let vs bethinke our selues the better, and when men chawe thinges grossely vnto vs, let vs not thinke they doe vs wrong, as some doe, who bee so nice, that if a man vse a rough style to them, Oh, say they, I vnderstoode all this by a woord or twaine, by like I am a little babe. To bee shorte, they be weary if a man bring them not matter of great sharpenesse: for they fondly presume in their §60owne imagination, that euen at the first dashe they knowe all that is necessarie. But beholde, God speaketh heere in another style and language. Why doth he so? He seeth there is need. So thē let vs suffer our selues to be taught according to our capacity; & seeing we be slowed; if our Lorde waken vs, let vs receiue it meekely, and learne to doe our selues good by it. And so yee see what wee haue to gather vpon all these textes.

Now whereas here is mention made of striking [or smiting] ones neighbour secretly: it is spoken against all hatred and rancour, and serveth for a conclusion. A man might demand here how it comes to pass, that GOD doeth here curse those whose offence is in things whereof no mention is made in his Law: for I have told you heretofore, that it is enough for a man to have observed the things that are contained in the ten commandments; and also that the full perfection of our life is set down there. But no mention is made there concerning the blind. And how happeneth it then that God doeth here denounce vengeance against the thing hat is not forbidden in his Law? Verily herein we see (as it hath been expounded already) that our Lord in his Law requireth all things that concern charity; as, that we should succour one another, and that there should be such a common league among us, as that every man should spend himself in helping his neighbour. Whatsoever is contrary to this, is forbidden and condemned by the law of God. And therefore it is said here now; Cursed shall he be which smiteth his neighbour secretly. Under this saying, our Lord hath comprehended all the misusages that we can offer to our neighbour: insomuch that if we give him but a philip, it is as a kind of murdering before him. And we see how that the man which doeth but grind his teeth at his brother,