Sermons upon Deuteronomy

And this is to be seen, not only in the enemies of the Church, but also in all others: insomuch that both great and small, when GOD hath left us in rest, and we have made an end of warring one against another, we fall to despising of GOD one way or other. Let us not wonder therefore, if when a war is finished; it begin again immediately. For it is needful that GOD should deal with us in such manner: otherwise he cannot rule us.

And this is to be seene, not onely in the enemies of the Church, but also in all others: insomuch that both greate and small, when GOD hath left vs in rest, and wee haue made an ende of warring one against another, wee fall to despising of GOD one way or other. Let vs not wonder therefore, if when a warre is finished; it beginne againe immediatly. For it is needefull that GOD should deale with vs in such maner: otherwise he cannot rule vs.

And let us mark well how it is said here moreover, That GOD will raise up a barbarous people against such as would not be obedient unto him. Such is Gods reigning over us, that he desireth to be as a father unto us, rather than to be a dreadful King or Prince over us. It is true that we must do him homage as to our sovereign Lord, and that we must behave our selves as his people in all subjection and humility, submitting our selves under his obedience: but yet therewithal he doeth the office of a father toward us, and will be known to be a father. For he speaketh after an amiable manner, insomuch that although his commandments be hard unto us, because of our malice and rebellion as concerning the flesh: yet notwithstanding after he hath declared his will unto us, he exhorteth us, he warneth us, he rebuketh us: and all these things he doeth with such mildness, as we must needs show our selves to want both wit and reason, if we be not benefited by the goodness he useth. But will we not hearken to our GOD when he speaketh unto us in so gentle and gracious a manner. Then will he talk with us with main strokes of halberds, pikes, and hagbuts. We shall there understand nothing, the language of them will be very strange unto us. And wherefore▪ Because we had no ears to hear when GOD spake graciously unto us, yea and when he stooped so low, as to teach us like little children, that are taught their A, B, C. Go too then, let us understand that when we be so deaf against God: he must talk with us in an other language, and he must stir up some barbarous and brazen faced people, that have neither reverence, reason, nor equity to whom when ye shall pray for pity and compassion: it shall be but in vain, they will give no ear unto you, you shall go that way in spite of your